Devotees allowed to pay tribute to “Virgin” again

CEBU, Philippines -  Devotees to the Virgin of the Rule were allowed to enter the shrine at the second floor of the Nuestra Señora de Regla Parish Church after it was temporarily closed following the discovery of the loss of some pieces of jewelry adorning the statue.

Most devotees came from other cities and municipalities of the province who failed to attend the fiesta celebration last November 21.

Rebecca Mercado, 60, a resident of Toledo City was one of the devotees that were allowed to enter.

Mercado was accompanied by her husband, children, and grand children when she visited the church yesterday morning.

“Mao man gyud ang among naandan nga managkot ug muhawok mi sa mahal nga Birhen liwas sa iyang pista kay dili na kaayo daghan ang tawo unya naguol sad ko kay nakadungog man ko nga gikawat ang iyang mga alahas,” said Mercado.

A member of the Parish Security Group admitted that they noticed few visitors yesterday saying that some devotees believe “nga dili pa pahagkan ang mahal nga birhen.”

Some devotees donated money and placed this in a donation box.

The suspension of the visitation to the image started after the discovery of the loss last Wednesday morning.

Fr. Agustin Polong, who is in charge of the Nuestra Señora de Regla Parish National Shrine in Barangay Poblacion, said security measures will be discussed in a meeting.

The repair of a CCTV and the purchase of another camera could be the topics to be discussed at the meeting.

However, he refused to provide details of the next move of the church so as not to hamper the security measures.

Burglars took away 69 necklaces, 70 rings, and 16 bracelets.

Police said the burglars also opened the donation box below the image and stole an unknown amount, leaving only coins and a few small bills.

A security guard and two utility workers discovered the burglary at past 3 a.m. while they were about to clean the shrine.

The parish has not established the value of the stolen jewelry pieces because these were donated by private individuals.

Investigators of the Lapu-Lapu Theft and Robbery Section are looking into the possibility that an insider took the jewelry or helped the thieves as there were no signs of forced entry.  (FREEMAN)