An afternoon Mass was interrupted after a man climbed onto the ornate altarpiece behind the altar, prompting a rescue operation that lasted more than four hours at the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City, Saturday, Sept. 26.
Churchgoers were moved to safety as police and emergency responders secured the cathedral, while traffic along the road in front of the church was temporarily restricted.
Rescuers set up an inflatable safety cushion and spent several hours persuading the man to climb down safely before he jumped onto the cushion at around 9:13 p.m.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, its personnel arrived at the cathedral at around 4:37 p.m. and began assessing the situation.
The inflatable safety cushion was set up at around 4:50 p.m. as responders continued negotiations with the man.
At around 8:40 p.m., rescuers also installed a lifeline to assist in the operation.
Despite efforts to persuade him to descend safely, the man jumped from the altarpiece onto the safety cushion at around 9:13 p.m.
He was immediately attended to by BFP emergency medical personnel and Amity responders.
The BFP reported that the man sustained a cut on his left ring finger and abrasions on both shoulders.
No fatalities were reported.
The man was turned over to the Bacolod City Police Office at around 9:24 p.m. following the rescue.
BCPO Director Col. Eugene Rebadomia personally responded to the scene and coordinated with the emergency teams.
The operation involved personnel from Police Station 1, the BFP, Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Amity, Chinese Chamber volunteers and other emergency response groups.
The BCPO said initial information indicated that the man was a frequent visitor to the cathedral and would often pray there.
Police also reported that he may have been experiencing emotional or psychological distress, although authorities have not disclosed further details about his condition.
His identity was withheld, and the circumstances that led him to climb the altarpiece remain unclear.
The BFP concluded its rescue operation at around 9:44 p.m.*
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