Burglar takes crucifix, monstrance, Holy Family painting from Pampanga church

A burglar took valuable religious articles from a church in Bacolor, Pampanga over the weekend.

Police said the burglar took a crucifix, a monstrance, and a picture of the Holy Family from the San Guillermo Parish Church.

The church sounded its bells after discovering the burglary at around 5 a.m.

The crucifix was held by the image of San Guillermo, while a prominent family donated the monstrance worth at least $2,500.

The portrait of the Holy Family, meanwhile, was on display at the church's museum.

Witnesses recalled seeing the suspect asking for directions to Olongapo, Pangasinan before riding a tricycle. Residents also believed that the suspect was not a resident of Bacolor.

Meanwhile, parishioners draped the church in black as a symbol of mourning.

The church had also been closed to tourists and devotees as the police continue to investigate the burglary. —report from Rommel Ramos/Joseph Tristan Roxas/ALG, GMA News