Bishop Dennis Villarojo of the Diocese of Malolos has made an urgent request for prayers for the victims of a balcony church disaster in the Philippines.
"We pray for the eternal repose of the faithful departed, and we offer our sincere condolences and assurance of assistance to the family,” said Bishop Villarojo.
He added, “Meanwhile, the parish priest is doing whatever is good and coordinating with the authorities to assist the persons who have been affected by this incident.
The tragic accident that claimed the life of one person and left approximately fifty others injured happened at the parish church of St. Peter Apostle in Tungkong Mangga village, in the city of San Jose Del Monte, north of Manila, on Wednesday, February 14.
According to the city's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, approximately fifty of the injured are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
Authorities identified the deceased as an 80-year-old woman who was a choir member.
Amid the Ash Wednesday Mass, which commences the forty-day Season of Lent, the tragic incident transpired at approximately 7 a.m.
According to preliminary data, a section of the church's wooden second floor may have collapsed as a result of excess reinforcement.
According to Villarojo, the weight was likely excessive for the structure. The specifics, however, are not yet available. They have not yet provided many technical details about the location.
According to the prelate, there is ongoing coordination with the investigating authorities regarding the incident.
He wanted to inform everyone that “the parish church is closed until further notice.”
The bishop now instructed all the priests in the diocese to “check their parish structures considering the great number of faithful coming every year to Lenten celebrations.” - Leahna Villajos
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