Antique church bell stolen from Loboc Parish grounds

TAGBILARAN CITY— An old brass church bell was stolen from the grounds of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Loboc, Bohol province,  prompting an investigation by police and Church officials.

In a Facebook post, Fr. Agerio Paña, parish priest of St. Peter the Apostle Parish and shrine rector of the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe of Extremadura, said they discovered the theft on Monday morning.

The damaged antique bell had been placed beside the parish convent in Loboc.

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READ: Samar church bell stolen

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Based on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, two people were seen allegedly taking the bell shortly after noon on Sunday, Oct. 4. The suspects were also seen leaving the convent premises through its gate.

The Loboc police and church officials are continuing their investigation to identify those responsible and trace the whereabouts of the stolen bell.

The parish appealed to antique buyers, collectors, and junk shop operators not to purchase or accept the bell if it is offered to them.

The public was also urged to immediately report any attempt to sell the bell to Loboc police and Church officials.

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Church officials expressed concern that the thieves might break up or crush the brass bell to make it more difficult to identify.

The parish also called on the public to remain vigilant and help protect old church artifacts that form part of Loboc’s history and cultural heritage./coa