A viral video of a vlogger allegedly spitting into a basin of holy water at a church in Misamis Occidental, which led to the church’s temporary closure, has sparked backlash online.
The circulating clips showed a woman inside the church leaning over the basin for the holy water, followed by what appeared to be spitting, as laughter was heard in the background.
The video drew criticism from netizens and calls for accountability over what was seen as a “disrespectful” and “desecrating” act inside a sacred space.
In response to the incident, the Archdiocese of Ozamis issued its statement, describing it as a “grave sin” and “act of sacrilege.”
The church has since been ordered by the Archdiocese closed until further notice. Citing the Code of Canon Law, it stressed that “penalties and preventive measures” will be imposed on the offender, and emphasized the need for “appropriate liturgical and penitential measures” to reflect the gravity of the offense and its impact on the sanctity of the church.
The woman in the video has also been issued a “serious warning,” which calls for “immediate confession and sincere repentance” in order to restore her “standing in the community of faith.”
The statement concluded with a reminder to the public to respect religious spaces and sacred items.
On Wednesday, August 6, News5 identified the vlogger as Thine Medala, who denied the accusations of desecrating the holy water basin.
In her interview, Medala insisted that she did not spit into the basin and claimed the act was misinterpreted.
“Kumuha ako ng sobre tapos binalik ko kaagad tapos tumingin ako sa holy water kasi ang meaning doon, nag-wish ako doon sa holy water. ‘Yun lang ‘yung meaning ko doon,” an emotional and tearful Medala explained.
When asked what she had wished for, she said, “Na matupad ko lahat ng pangarap ko kahit na ang buhay ko, hindi perpekto. Sa mga content ko, laswa-laswa na pero wala akong magagawa kasi kailangan kong kumita ng pera.”
The vlogger also expressed fear over the backlash and said the experience made her realize which of her friends were truly genuine.
“Dito ko po nakita na may mga kaibigan na hindi talaga totoo… kaunti lang talaga ‘yung kaibigan na nag-stay sa’kin ngayon,” she said.
“Natatakot ako. Ayoko makulong, wala naman akong ginawang masama. Nag-video lang ako pero ‘di ko dinuraan ‘yun,” she continued, adding, “Hindi ko po gagawin ‘yun para lang for the views… hindi po ako masamang tao.”
As of writing, the Archdiocese has yet to release further statements regarding the church’s reopening or possible legal action.
