Suspect in monstrance robbery arrested

Posted by watchmen
January 2, 2024
Posted in TOP STORIES

 

The monstrance was left outside the cathedral’s gates where it was later discovered on Sunday morning, December 31, 2023, police said. (ADSUM Diocese of Bacolod photo)
The monstrance was left outside the cathedral’s gates where it was later discovered on Sunday morning, December 31, 2023, police said. (ADSUM Diocese of Bacolod photo)

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The suspect in the theft of the monstrance inside San Sebastian Cathedral’s adoration chapel in Bacolod City was arrested on Sunday morning, December 31, 2023.

Major Elmer Bonilla, Police Station 1 commander, identified the suspect as Edmar Yanson, a resident of the city’s Barangay 12.

Bonilla said Yanson went inside the adoration chapel early Saturday night, December 30, and allegedly stole the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament.

The monstrance, a vessel in which the consecrated eucharistic host is carried during processions and is displayed during certain devotional ceremonies, was valued at around P30,000.

The robbery was discovered by a cathedral personnel.

Bonilla said Yanson was planning to sell the monstrance, but it was quickly foiled after social media posts by the cathedral and the Diocese of Bacolod went viral.

Yanson wrapped the monstrance in a bag and left at the cathedral’s gates where it was later discovered on Sunday morning, police said.

However, Bonilla said church officials expressed their intention to file criminal charges against Yanson.

Police conducted a follow-up operation resulting in his arrest.

Bonilla said robbery charges are now being readied against Yanson, who is currently detained at Police Station 1./DGB, WDJ

 

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