Misamis Occidental Church Closes After Viral Video Sparks Backlash

If you’re planning to explore heritage sites in Northern Mindanao, here’s an update you might want to take note of. The iconic St John the Baptist Parish Church in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental has been temporarily closed following a controversial incident that quickly made headlines online.

What Happened Inside the Church?

Image credit: Catholic at Work | official FB page

A video recently circulated on social media showing a vlogger appearing to spit into the church’s holy water container. The act, meant as part of her comedic content, was filmed inside the church and triggered a wave of backlash from the public.

The video was deleted shortly after being posted, but not before it gained attention and criticism across various platforms. For many Catholics and heritage advocates, the act was deeply disrespectful, especially considering the church’s historical and spiritual importance.

Church Authorities Take Action

On 5 August 2025, Archbishop Martin Jumoad of the Archdiocese of Ozamis ordered the closure of the church. He described the act as a grave offence against a sacred space. According to Church law under Canon 1211, places of worship must be treated with reverence. When such spaces are violated, temporary restrictions may be imposed.

As a result, the church has been closed to the public. Parishioners have been asked to participate in spiritual acts such as the Holy Hour of Adoration and Solemn Confession. These activities are part of the process required to restore the church’s sanctity. The church will only reopen once these steps have been completed and a proper evaluation has been made.

The Vlogger Responds

The content creator behind the video, Christine Medalla, issued a public statement denying that she intentionally spat into the container. She explained that the clip had been misunderstood and clarified that she meant no offence. However, she apologised to the parish and said she would no longer film inside churches as part of her content.

Despite the apology, many netizens believe this should serve as a reminder to creators to be more mindful of the places they feature in their videos.

Why This Church Matters

Image credit: The Catholic Parish of Saint John The Baptist- Jimenez, Misamis Occidental | official FB page

St John the Baptist Parish Church is not just any church. Built in the 1800s by Augustinian missionaries, it stands as one of the few Spanish-era churches in the Philippines that remains largely intact. In 2001, it was officially recognised by the National Museum of the Philippines as a National Cultural Treasure.

From its intricate retablos to its antique tiled floors, the church offers visitors a glimpse into centuries of Filipino history, faith, and craftsmanship. For many locals and travellers, it is more than a place of worship. It is a living monument.

A Reminder for Travellers and Creators

Whether you are visiting a church, mosque, ancestral home, or any heritage site, one thing remains important. Respect. Not everything is content, especially when it involves sacred or culturally significant places.

This incident highlights how one moment of poor judgement can have lasting effects. It also reminds us to approach every destination with care, especially when sharing experiences with a wider audience.

Will the Church Reopen Soon?

Image credit: The Catholic Parish of Saint John The Baptist- Jimenez, Misamis Occidental | official FB page

That will depend on the progress of the parish's spiritual actions. For now, the church remains closed. Those hoping to visit will need to wait for official word from Church authorities.

When it finally reopens, visiting this beautiful church in Jimenez might be even more meaningful. It will not only be a chance to appreciate history and architecture, but also an opportunity to reflect on what it truly means to travel responsibly.