BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – A portion of the historic St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church in Barangay Vito, Sagay City, Negros Occidental was gutted by fire late Friday night.
According to the city’s Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), they received a fire call around 11:17 p.m.
Upon the arrival of the firefighters, flames were already engulfing the right portion of the church’s interior.
Arson investigators believed the fire had quickly spread as that portion of the church was made of light materials. The ceiling was also reported to be century-old.
A “fire out” was declared after a few minutes.
Damage was estimated at around P100,000.
Reverend Father Joseph Tubiera, parish priest, said the fire may have started from an unplugged amplifier.
“We are in constant coordination with the authorities to ensure the safety of other structures adjacent to the site of the fire, and to determine whether these areas are still viable for use for other spiritual activities of the community,” Tubiera said.
The community of St. Vincent Ferrer is also asking for prayers and support.
Tubiera said the church will continue its worship services. The damaged portion will be temporarily off-limits to the public.
The St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church was established by Augustinian Recollect friars in 1860.
The church also hosts a religious ritual called “palapak”. A century-old image of St. Vicent Ferrer is placed on different parts of a person’s body to cure ailments.
The church is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Negros Occidental, particularly during Good Friday./PN
