Antipolo City – A fire broke out Saturday afternoon at the Antipolo Cathedral, a major pilgrimage site in Rizal province, as devotees gathered in large numbers in observance of Lent.
Initial reports indicate that the blaze may have started from candles lit by churchgoers, a common tradition during the Lenten season. The fire quickly spread inside the church premises, prompting emergency response teams to rush to the scene.
As of this writing, firefighters are working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures. Authorities have yet to confirm the extent of the damage or report any casualties.
The Antipolo Cathedral, formally known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, is one of the country’s most significant religious sites, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year, especially during Holy Week.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.