The four missing pulpit panels of the Nuestra Señora de Patrocino Church in Boljoon, Cebu have been returned to the province.
The panels became controversial in early 2024 after they were discovered by the National Museum, which had received them as a donation from a private couple.
Cebu town urges National Museum to return 'stolen' church panels
According to previous police reports, the panels were stolen in the 1970s.
It took more than a year for the panels to be returned to Cebu after the National Museum studied the technical and legal aspects of their ownership.
“I know the hearts of the people of Cebu, I also know the hearts of the people of Boljoon. I know how happy this day is because the panels have returned home,” said Archbishop Jose Palma of the Archdiocese of Cebu.
The return of the missing panels was a significant victory for the people of Cebu. During the celebration of mass, Archbishop Jose Palma restored the original panels to their rightful place in the pulpit. Despite the lengthy process, several demand letters were sent to the National Museum to secure their return. According to Governor Gwen Garcia, they are ready to fight for the culture and heritage of the people of Cebu no matter the cost. Meanwhile, Boljoon Mayor Jojie Derama expressed his gratitude and assured that they will guard the panels to prevent them from being lost again.
To maintain the condition of the century-old panels, the National Museum hired a restoration team to repair and protect them. They will also continue to monitor the condition of the panels to ensure that they remain in good condition. According to Andoni Aboitiz, chairman of the National Museum, the panels are part of the story of the people of Cebu, so it is important to preserve them for future generations.
