Heritage churches in Pampanga ordered closed after quake

The Archdiocesan Committee on Church Heritage in Pampanga has announced that all heritage churches shall be closed to the public after a 6.1-magnitude quake struck Luzon.

"Upon consulting our technical experts, the ACCH Secretariat is recommending a lockdown of all heritage churches (no activities inside and cordon off to secure the whole premises) until they are deemed safe," the committee posted on its social media account.

"The Technical Secretariat is coordinating with experts and national agencies to assure everyone's safety."

The bell tower of St. Catherine Church in Porac, Pampanga collapsed.

According to a report by Raffy Tima in GMA News TV's State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, the belfry of San Agustin Parish in Lubao, Pampanga was also damaged.

There were cracks were noted on the ceiling of the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, and inside the Holy Rosary Parish (Pisamban Maragul) in Angeles City.

At the Saint James the Apostle Parish, Betis, town of Guagua, cracks are visible around the Parish Church Building and Convent.

The were also cracks observed at the belfry of Santa Rita de Cascia parish church in Santa Rita, Pampanga.

The Sanctuary table of Apung Mamacalulu Shrine in Angeles City, Pampanga was also damaged by the quake.

Meanwhile, Sta. Monica Parish Church Minalin has announced that there will be no masses celebrated inside the building as officials conduct an inspection. — with Dona Magsino/BAP, GMA News