Garcia gives NMP execs until Friday to meet her

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is giving officials of the National Museum of the Philippines until Friday to discuss with her the return to Boljoon of the stolen pulpit panels from the Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria Santisima.

Garcia gave the ultimatum to NMP officials after the Provincial Board on Monday authorized her to file appropriate charges to recover the stolen religious artifacts.  The four pulpit panels were donated to NMP by private collectors.

Earlier, Garcia appealed to NMP officials to return the panels to Boljoon after the Archdiocese of Cebu has claimed ownership of these treasures. In a letter to NMP dated February 26, asked for the “prompt and rightful return” of the panels to Boljoon.

However, in their March 25, 2023 response, NMP Director General Jeremy Barns refused to heed the call but assured the governor that they have been actively engaging with key stakeholders to facilitate meaningful exchanges on this matter. Barns said they have already started a dialogue with Boljoon Mayor Jojie Derama and the members of the Sanggunian Bayan.

The delay in NMP’s response did not sit well with Garcia. On Monday, April 1, the governor sent another letter to Barns reiterating the provincial government’s position as a principal stakeholder regarding the recovery of the four pulpit panels.

Garcia said these panels are integral to the cultural, historical, and religious heritage of Cebu Province. In her letter, Garcia extended a formal invitation for key National Museum decision-makers to visit Cebu for a meeting with the Cebu Provincial Government, including a visit to Boljoon Church.

This visit, she said, would underscore the panels’ inseparable connection to Boljoon’s identity.

“We are disappointed to have received no response to this invitation. As this matter is time-sensitive, we urgently request a formal reply. If no response is forthcoming, we will be compelled to explore all available legal remedies to ensure the return of the panels,” Garcia stated.

Garcia said, as governor of the Province of Cebu, she has the legal and moral obligation to uphold all laws pertaining to heritage protection, as well as safeguarding cultural and historical resources within her territorial jurisdiction.

“We await your prompt response and look forward to scheduling a mutually agreeable time for the proposed meeting,” the governor’s letter reads.

Barns’ response dated April 2 states that the NMP is willing to meet with Garcia.

“We are very happy to agree with you and accept your proposal. After having consulted with our Chairman, Mr. Andoni Aboitiz, and accounting for various pending commitments abroad through this month of April, may we respectfully suggest Tuesday, April 30, 2024 as a possible date? Kindly indicate to us if this date would be convenient and agreeable for you”.

“April 30 is too long. We might already filed cases against them,” says Atty. Benjamin Cabrido, Jr., Capitol consultant on Legal Affairs.

Atty. Rory Jon Sepulveda, another Capitol legal consultant, and Atty. Donato Villa Jr., provincial legal officer, said they are ready to file charges against NMP officials and several others if the governor gives the green light. — (FREEMAN)