The vandalism was discovered just as local parishioners were about to celebrate a religious ceremony marking the start of the Lenten season, CNN Philippines reports.

The image of San Isidro Labrador, to whose honour a chapel in the village of Sta. Clara was dedicated, was found knocked over and its head removed. Another image of the Virgin Mary was thrown on the pathway.

Religious icons in a chapel in Barangay Kulaybato were also removed from displays.

On Tuesday night, residents also reported an incident of desecration of images in Maganda, another village in Lamitan. More statues, including a crucifix, were also discovered scattered on the road outside their chapel.

Source: CNN Philippines