Pastor apologizes for crushing Sto. Niño image underfoot

A pastor who became infamous online for a video in which he was seen crushing an image of the Sto. Niño underfoot apologized for his actions, Darlene Cay reported Sunday on 24 Oras Weekend.

The video featuring River of Life International Ministries Pastor Christopher Gayoba made the rounds of social media and brought him online notoriety.

In the video taken in Valladolid, Negros Occidental, Gayoba explained that the image had to be destroyed and buried because it held no power.

Gayoba later apologized for his behavior in a Facebook video.

“Sinira ko ang part ng inyong paniniwala so heto ako, humihingi ng patawad sa buong mundo at sa lahat ng na-hurt sa pag-apak ko,” he said.

The River of Life International Ministries also apologized on behalf of Gayoba and assured the public that the pastor would be sanctioned for his actions.

“We apologize from the bottom of our hearts regarding the recent video that was posted by one of our outreach pastors,” they said.

“Please understand that the video he posted does not represent our beliefs or our theological stand regarding idols and graven images.” — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News