Misamis occidental: The head of the Department of Tourism in Northern Mindanao (DOT-10) on Wednesday expressed concern about the temporary closure of a 145-year-old Catholic church in Misamis Occidental.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOT-10 Director Marie Elaine Unchuan shared her concerns in a Facebook post, emphasizing the historical and cultural importance of the St. John the Baptist Parish in Jimenez town. She described the church as a beloved historical structure and one of the key tourism landmarks in the region.

"I am deeply saddened by the immediate closure of our beloved National Historical Treasure, the John the Baptist Church in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental, due to an irresponsible act of sacrilege by a female vlogger who desecrated the holy water font," Unchuan stated.

The vlogger involved, Christine Medalla, 28, has denied allegations of spitting on the holy water font. In media interviews, she clarified her actions, saying, "I just took an envelope and then returned it immediately. I looked at the holy water because I made a wish. That's all."

The incident, which occurred on August 3, came to the attention of the Archdiocese of Ozamiz on a Tuesday afternoon after a video of the act circulated on social media. This led Archbishop Martin Jumoad to make the decision to temporarily close the parish.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Church, showcasing both baroque and Renaissance architectural styles, stands as a significant cultural and religious landmark in Misamis Occidental. It is recognized as one of the oldest and most important religious heritage sites in the region, having been built between the 1860s and 1880s and later designated as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines in 2001.