via Rappler, 04 April 2024: The National Museum of the Philippines, under Director General Jeremy Barns, commits to returning the historic pulpit panels from the Boljoon church in Cebu, while addressing the complex issue of ownership separately. Despite differing perspectives on whether the panels were sold or stolen, Barns emphasizes a collaborative approach to ensure their safe return and appropriate sharing, considering their fragility and historical significance. The museum aims for a resolution that honors Cebuano heritage and satisfies all stakeholders, reflecting the importance of these artifacts in the cultural narrative of the Philippines.
These things take time, Barns said in an exclusive interview with Rappler on Monday night, April 1, the first time he has spoken up on the issue.
“If we set the ownership issue (aside), whether National Museum owns it or because it can be proved it was stolen, ownership goes back to the [Cebu] Archdiocese, we can let that play out,” said Barns. “But while we own it, we are happy to commit to finding ways to bring them to Cebu and Boljoon and share them appropriately.”
Barns said that for the NMP, the pulpit panels were not stolen from the Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria Santisima in Boljoon; rather, they were sold by the parish priest.
“We didn’t look at it as a theft because this kind of sale by the parish priest is very widely known and happened everywhere and even still continues to happen. So, that’s why we object to people saying they are stolen property,” Barns said.
Source: Pulpit panels will be returned, National Museum head assures Cebuanos
