Thieves have stripped nearly all the electrical cables from the historic Sta. Lucia Parish Church in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

When property custodian Aries Samson arrived at the church that morning, he noticed immediately that something was wrong.

“Pagpasok namin, nakatanggal ‘yung kuryente ng aircon. Kala ko nga pinapagawa. Nakita ko ‘yung aircon walang kuryente, tapos ‘yung mga outlet at saka switch nakatanggal,” Samson said.

Cut wires and damaged electrical parts greeted staff inside and outside the old church building.

Authorities believe the suspects targeted the copper inside the cables, which they likely intended to sell to junk shops.

The theft has been reported to the barangay, and local police have launched an investigation.

PSSG Carlo Siriban, chief of CSF Police Sub-Station 1, warned the public to be alert, especially in areas with abandoned or less-guarded buildings.

“Nakikita ko diyan ‘yung mga nangangalakal, once may nakita silang chances. Kapag nakita nila ‘yung isang establishment ay walang bantay, pupunta talaga sila diyan. Karamihan binebenta iyan sa junkshop, kinukuha nila ‘yung tanso ng wirings,” Siriban said.

Police added that suspects caught stealing cables could face theft charges, while junkshop owners who knowingly buy stolen materials could face fencing charges.

The parish has called on the local government and residents for help, not just to repair the damage, but to improve the church's security and prevent another theft.

Earlier in July 1, 2025, a mixer and amplifier used for Sunday Masses were stolen from another church under construction in Barangay Bantayan in Mangaldan, Pangasinan.