Religious images miraculously spared
NATIVIDAD FOREST FIRE
NATIVIDAD—Who or what caused the forest fire that razed about a hundred-hectare wide and almost completely gutted the pilgrimage site at the Caraballo Mountain on Black Saturday, April 4.
The questions remained unanswered at presstime although Winston Julio, secretary to Mayor Rodrigo Rafael, said preliminary investigation revealed that a still unnamed suspect caused the fire intentionally that gutted thousands of gmelina, pine trees and other fruit-bearing trees planted by the local government unit personnel and other sectors.
Miraculously spared were the 40-foot tall sculpture of Jesus Christ The Redeemer and the 10 feet high pedestal where the image stands majestically atop the mountain, called Bantay Lakay, a part of Caraballo Mountain.
The 40-foot tall Christ The Redeemer image, a giant cross and a Virgin Mary’s grotto were spared from destruction. (Photo lifted from Facebook account of Roland Rudio).
Also spared from any destruction were the giant cross and a grotto of Virgin Mary.
The area called Sky Plaza at the view deck of the mountain, reportedly helped prevent further spread of the fire that could have damaged the structures.
Mr. Rafael has offered P25,000 reward for any information that could lead to the identity and arrest of the suspect that started the forest fire.
Quoting the mayor, Julio said “we have been blessed with these natural resources and in return we should nurture and take care of these blessings”.
A team from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office went to the gutted area Monday and conducted its own investigation
Julio said the area was developed by the municipal government under Mr. Rafael’s administration when he assumed the mayoral post in 2010. The development, with the help of residents, has attracted tourists to the area, especially during the Holy Week observance.
The mayor sought the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ help to conduct an audit and inventory of destroyed trees and to help save the others.
Julio said its windy climate on Saturday caused the fire to spread quickly.
The report also said that high humidity aggravated the situation.
The Bureau of Fire Protection station’s efforts to put out the fire was stymied by the inability of the fire truck to move further up the mountan.
“It’s back to square one. We would plant again,” Julio said. (Tita Roces)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
