Catholic priest suspended over blessing of Masonic monument

A Catholic priest in the Philippines has been suspended after a September 1, 2025, removal from ministry owing to blessing a Freemasonic monument in Ormoc City, with his Religious order confirming a canonical investigation. Hierarchical authorities reiterated that Freemasonry is “fundamentally incompatible with Catholic doctrine”.
The priest, Fr Libby Daños of the Order of Discalced Augustinians, was removed from public ministry after images circulated online appearing to show him blessing a Masonic marker in Ormoc City, in the Eastern Visayas region. The monument is associated with local Freemasonic presence, and the incident drew criticism among clergy and laity.