Archbishop Palma working on return of lost pulpit panels to Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma is optimistic about the return of the “lost” pulpit panels of the church in Boljoon soon, while also looking into pursuing other important church belongings that were reportedly sold by auction houses.

Palma, in an interview with reporters yesterday, disclosed that they have already expressed anew its claim of ownership of the panels on behalf of the Cebuanos during a meeting with the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), led by board of trustees chairman Andoni Aboitiz.

Palma said that NMP confirmed having the panels in their possession, which needed some restoration works.

“They have the panels…There is a need for an immediate care and repair,” Archbishop Palma said, adding that the NMP is already on it.

But apart from the repair, Palma said they emphasized that the panels should be returned to Boljoon.

“Our concern is, restore it and return it to us,” Palma said.

“We would like to make known to the National Museum of the Philippines that as a Cebu community, we claim our right for the ownership of the panels. That panel should be returned to Boljoon,” Palma added.

Palma shared that they also discussed with Aboitiz the Canon laws, among others, to stress ownership on the panels, which the latter assured them that he will bring the matter to the board upon his return to Manila.

The Archbishop said they will also make a follow up on it.

Aside from the Boljoon pulpit panels, there are also other religious items that belong to another church in Cebu that have been discovered to have been sold.

Archbishop Palma said they will also move to recover the said antics.

“It is our duty to do that (recovery of items)...Otherwise we will be remiss in our duties. I mean it is our responsibility to the people. It is unfortunate that maybe because of neglect or whatsoever that these things are either “lost or stolen”. But now that that has been recovered, we will do every step and every move and use our right or whatever power we have to recover that,” assured Palma. — Rowena Capistrano (FREEMAN)