Santa Marian Kamalen statue in Merizo vandalized

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The Santa Kamalen statue in Merizo was vandalized on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 (Viewer submitted photo)

The Santa Marian Kamalen statue in Merizo was the target of vandals, and the Merizo mayor has words of advice for the person or persons responsible.

Santa Marian Kamalen is the patron saint of Guam and is revered by the Catholic community. But on Thursday morning, staff from the Merizo mayor’s office discovered that the patron saint had been desecrated, with someone placing chains around the wrists of Santa Marian Kamalen.

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“I don’t know what message they want to do, I think that they are just being mischievous. But they picked the wrong article to be mischievous with. I don’t know what religion the individual is … what kind of religion he has … but it’s Christmas, you know, we’re celebrating Christmas, do not spoil it for the people,” Merizo Mayor Ernest T. Chargualaf said.

He added: “I just hope that whoever did this … that they cease and desist on their conduct.”

The act of desecration has prompted the mayor to install cameras at the park so that if this happens again, the perpetrator can be caught and punished to the full extent of the law.

If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact the Merizo mayor’s office at 828-8312.

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Jolene joined the PNC team in 2017, as a producer, co-anchor and investigative reporter covering law enforcement, courts and crimes. Notable coverage includes the Ehlert case, the Mark Torre Jr. trial, the Allan Agababa trial, exclusive pieces on the Life of a Drug Dealer/Addict, and Life behind bars...the story of Honofre Chargualaf and Kevin Cruz. In 2019, she was promoted to Assistant News Director and Lead Anchor. From 2015 to 2017 she served as Public Relations and Promotions Manager, for the Hotel Nikko Guam handling local radio and advertorial promotions, as well as produced and directed tv commercials for the hotel. Prior to this she worked with KUAM for three years as a reporter and segment host. She began her journalism career in 2012, working with Glimpses of Guam contributing to the Guam Business Magazine, R&R magazine, MDM magazine and the Marianas Business Journal.