A 38-year-old man in Pampanga was arrested for stealing the crown of the image of the Santo Niño and other sacred items from the Our Lady of Grace Parish in Mabalacat City.
His claim: He was acting on instructions of the Virgin Mary.
The incident on January 8, 2025 was captured by the church’s closed circuit television (CCTV) camera.
Footage showed the suspect entering through the side door and rummaging through the sacred objects.
“Tumalon siya doon sa steel gate ng simbahan, tapos pagkapasok niya doon sa side steel gate, binuksan niya yung wooden door, doon siya nag-entry...” PLTCOL Efren David Jr., Chief of Mabalacat Police, said.
Aside from the missing crown of the Santo Niño, several church items were also found scattered, including media equipment, the crown and areola of the Our Lady of Grace, and the Trespotencia of the Sto. Cristo del Perdón.
Police apprehended the suspect and recovered the crown of the Santo Niño.
The suspect admitted to wearing the crown and using the church's chalice as a glass for drinking beer.
“Sinuot ko ['yung korona]...” he said.
When questioned about his motive, the suspect said he was reportedly “instructed” by the Virgin Mary.
"Kaya daw niya kinuha iyon [ay dahil] inutusan daw siya ni Mama Mary. 'Yun yung sagot niya sa amin dito... Pinapadala daw iyon sa Angeles," David said.
The church expressed gratitude in a Facebook post, thanking those who prayed and assisted in recovering the items stolen.
The suspect is facing multiple charges.
