A bishop from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has cautioned Catholics in Eastern Samar about a non-Catholic religious group mimicking Catholic rituals in several barangays across the province.
Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan issued a pastoral statement warning the faithful about the Apostolic Catholic Church (ACC), also known locally as Apostolika’t Katolikang Simbahan or Simbahang Apostolika Katolika.
The group, founded in 1992 by John Florentine Teruel, is reportedly active in barangays Bato, Pinanag-an, and Baras in Borongan City, as well as in the municipality of Guiuan.
“While we respect their right to practice their religion, it is crucial that we remain steadfast in our Catholic identity,” Varquez said, noting that the ACC’s use of vestments similar to those of Catholic priests has caused confusion among parishioners.
He urged Catholics not to attend ACC services, particularly their Eucharistic celebrations, and instructed that parish churches under the diocese not be used for their sacraments. He also called for stronger catechesis to reinforce Catholic faith and awareness.
