Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia will file charges against National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) Director General Jeremy Barns for his alleged refusal to return four pulpit panels that are reportedly stolen church property. The panels resurfaced in an exhibit last year, prompting Garcia to request their return to the Archdiocese of Cebu. Barns' delayed response and alleged actions regarding the panels' restoration have angered Garcia, who vowed to fight for the return of Cebu's heritage.
Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia did not mince words when she chided the head of the National Museum of the Philippines who will be charged for failure to return four pulpit panels that are in NMP possession after these were reported stolen from the Church in the 1980s.CEBU Gov. Gwen Garcia huddles with officials of the Archdiocese of Cebu while the five pulpit panels belonging to the Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria Santisima in Boljoon, Cebu are flashed on a TV screen.
These antique 19th century panels have carved depictions of Saints Leo the Great, Augustine of Hippo, Thomas of Villanueva, Ambrose of Milan, and Gregory the Great. The municipal council of Boljoon and the provincial board passed separate resolutions asking the NMP to return the pulpit panels. Lawyer John Sepulveda, Capitol legal consultant, said charges for violation of the Anti-Fencing Law of 1979, Sections 3 and of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and breaches of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees will be filed against Barns.
The agreement stated that the restoration must be done in Boljoon, there will be a technology transfer, and the NMP must be assured that the panels that will be returned are the originals.
Heritage Cebu Heritage Church Property National Museum Theft Governor Garcia
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