via Rappler, 27 March 2024: Cebu officials have secured commitments from heritage bodies for the return of historic pulpit panels stolen from the Boljoon Church, sparking a legal and ethical debate over heritage ownership. National Museum and NCCA officials are engaging with local leaders and the church to facilitate the return, amidst calls for clearer policies on church artifacts.
He anticipated the case setting a precedent affecting collectors in the country. Garcia, meanwhile, reiterated her stance that the panels were stolen, emphasizing the need for a clear policy regarding church artifacts. “Obviously, it was stolen because it belongs to the church. So any stolen item, even though years have passed and these were eventually officially donated, is still stolen,” Garcia said. She said that unlike artifacts found during archeological diggings, the church panels are church proper
Source: Cebu officials secure NCCA commitment for return of ‘stolen’ heritage church panels
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