Ash that caused burns at Caloocan parish had high acid levels

The ash anointed on the foreheads of parishioners at the San Roque Cathedral Parish in Caloocan City on Ash Wednesday contained high contents of acid, the parish's rector on Friday said.

According to a report by Sam Nielsen on Super Radyo dzBB, Fr. Jeronimo Cruz bared the results of test from a chemical laboratory showing the ash contained high acid content.

Abo na ipinahid sa mga nagsimba para sa ash wednesday sa San Roque Cathedral sa Caloocan City, kumpirmadong may mataas na antas ng asido. | via @dzbbsamnielsen

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) February 16, 2018

Cruz said the lab tests showed that the ash from palm leaves used during Ash Wednesday turned to caustic ash, which has higher acid contents compared to ordinary ash.

The priest said caustic ash's color is lighter compared to black of a normal ash from palm leaves.

Cruz said the incident on Wednesday was not the first time this happened, citing the same incident which occurred in Ireland in 2014.

Several parishioners complained of having rashes on their forehead after being anointed by ash as they commemorate the first day of the Lenten Season.

Nonetheless, Cruz dismissed the angle of sabotage in the incident, saying CCTV footage shows the palm leaves were burned properly by altar servers.

Cruz also urged those who are still having rashes on their foreheads to proceed to the parish for them to receive proper medical treatment.

Cruz, meanwhile, said the expenses of those who already sought treatment in medical facilities will be reimbursed.

Sixty-five parishioners so far sough treatment at the San Roque parish since Thursday, according to the report. —NB, GMA News