St Joseph’s Church evacuated after suspicious item found; bomb squad confirms object poses no threat
SINGAPORE: A suspicious object discovered at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah on Sunday morning has been determined to pose no threat following comprehensive examinations by police and military specialists.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed to CNA around 11.10am that after conducting extensive assessments, the item was found to be harmless. The church remains closed to the public while operations continue.
“The police and the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) Chemical Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group have conducted thorough checks on the suspicious item and found it to be harmless,” authorities stated. “The situation is under control and police operations are still ongoing.”
Emergency services were first alerted to the situation at approximately 7.10am after receiving a distress call regarding the premises at 620 Upper Bukit Timah Road. Officers immediately secured the vicinity and evacuated the church building as a precautionary measure.
The SAF’s Chemical Biological, Radiological and Explosive (CBRE) Defence Group was subsequently deployed to assist with the investigation and assessment of the suspicious object.
St Joseph’s Church announced via Facebook that the facility would remain temporarily closed, urging worshippers to attend services at alternative locations for Sunday mass.
The church’s official website confirmed the cancellation of all scheduled Sunday services until authorities provide clearance. Alternative venues recommended for parishioners included the Church of St Mary of The Angels in Bukit Batok, Church of St Anthony in Woodlands, and Church of St Ignatius near Farrer Road for afternoon and evening services.
CNA reporters arriving shortly after 10am observed multiple police vehicles and a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) unit stationed within the church grounds. Law enforcement officers and church officials were positioned at the entrance, redirecting members of the public.
One elderly couple, regular attendees who requested anonymity, explained they had arrived after 6am for the scheduled 7.30am service but were asked to leave before mass commenced. They remained at the entrance hoping to retrieve their vehicle from inside the compound.
Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who serves as the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP for the constituency encompassing St Joseph’s Church, was observed entering the church premises at 10.47am.
Around 10.50am, three officers were seen conducting a thorough search of the church perimeter’s grassy areas and a large drainage system adjacent to the property.
An explosive ordnance disposal vehicle, accompanied by another vehicle, departed the church grounds at approximately 11am. Minister Balakrishnan left about 20 minutes afterward without addressing waiting media.
Vivian later shared his appreciation on Facebook for the “quick, calm and resolute” response from SPF, SAF’s CBRE Defence Group, SCDF personnel, and church volunteers who assisted during the incident.
Oliver Esquierdo, 54, and his family arrived for their customary 11.30am mass service but were denied entry as the area remained restricted. The family has been attending St Joseph’s Church regularly since 2009.
Mr Esquierdo said this marked the first time in their years of attendance that the church had been closed due to a security concern.
“I’m not scared, I’m surprised only,” he commented, praising the welcoming nature of the congregation.
At approximately 1.45pm, authorities led a handcuffed man wearing a blue shirt to the car park where officers conducted a search of a white vehicle.
This incident follows a troubling pattern at the church. In November of the previous year, a priest was attacked during mass when a 37-year-old man stabbed Father Christopher Lee in the mouth. The assailant was subsequently charged with the assault.
Just one month later, another individual was discovered carrying a folding knife on church premises, with police indicating at the time that the suspect was cooperating with their investigation.
The frequency of these security incidents at St Joseph’s Church has raised concerns within the community about safety measures at the place of worship.
