Archdiocese closes historic Ozamis church over spat in holy water

The Archdiocese of Ozamis indefinitely closed the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental, after an individual reportedly spat into its holy water font on August 3.

Archbishop Martin Sarmiento Jumoad ordered the church's closure as a sign of penance and reparation until appropriate acts of penance are observed by parishioners, including participation in a Holy Hour of Adoration and Solemn Confessions on August 7 at 3 p.m.

The Baroque-style church, founded in 1829 by Augustinian Recollects and designated as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines, will remain closed until further notice based on pastoral assessment.

DOT-10 Director Marie Elaine Unchuan expressed concern over the closure of the historic landmark, noting that it is one of Misamis Occidental's key tourism attractions.

The vlogger Christine Medalla denied allegations that she spat in the font, claiming instead that she had taken an envelope and looked at the holy water out of curiosity.