Woman Severely Injured in Church Attack; Suspect Sought

A woman was brutally attacked inside a Cebu church. Authorities hunt for a suspect as the archdiocese closes the church and suspends services.

, and Administrator

2025 October 28 . 5:08 PM

1 min read

In this picture there is a church in the center of the image.

Woman Severely Injured in Church Attack; Suspect Sought

A woman in her early 30s was found severely injured and unconscious inside the Parish Church of San Fernando Rey in Liloan, northern Cebu, on October 24. The assault is considered a grave violation of the church's sacred character, according to Canon 1211 of the Code of Canon Law. Authorities are searching for an unidentified suspect, while the Archdiocese of Cebu has temporarily closed the church and suspended public worship.

The victim, who remains unidentified, was discovered with visible injuries, including a head wound, blood from her nose, and dark marks around her neck, suggesting possible strangulation. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage, which confirms the attack took place inside the church building. Witnesses reported seeing the victim earlier with a man, who was later asked to leave the premises. The suspect is described as a man last seen wearing a black shirt. Anyone with information or missing relatives matching the woman's description is urged to contact the Liloan Municipal Police Station. Archbishop Alberto Uy has ordered the temporary closure of the church and the suspension of public Masses and services until further notice.

The assault on the woman in the Parish Church of San Fernando Rey is being investigated by local authorities. The Archdiocese of Cebu has declared the church 'desecrated' due to the incident and has suspended all public worship. The victim's identity remains unknown, and authorities are appealing for any information that could help identify her or locate the suspect.