• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A multi-agency response team safely rescued a man in distress, who climbed the upper arch above the altar of the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City Sept. 26, disrupting the afternoon church service and triggering a five-hour standoff.
Bacolod City Police Office director, P/Col. Eugene Rebadomia, coordinated an emergency operation from 6 p.m. to 9:21 p.m. Saturday alongside Police Station 1, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Amity, and the Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade.
The incident began at around 3 p.m. when alias “Alvin” entered the cathedral armed with a knife while a mass was underway.
Reports said he was disarmed of one blade, but had a second sharp object, evaded the police, and climbed onto the arch directly above the altar.
Due to safety concerns, the mass was moved to the outside corridor of the cathedral.
An inflatable jump cushion was placed near the altar, but “Alvin” initially signaled the officers to stay away.
The standoff ended at 9:21 p.m. when Special Rescue Force personnel used extension ladders to corner him, prompting “Alvin” to jump voluntarily onto the cushion below.
The BFP-Bacolod said he suffered minor injuries, including a laceration on his left ring finger and abrasions on both shoulders.
“Initial information indicated that the individual was reportedly a frequent visitor of the church and would often pray (there),” the BCPO said in a statement, adding that “Alvin” may have been experiencing emotional or psychological distress.
He was turned over to his family Sept. 27 by the Bacolod Police Office Station 1. | TMD
