Swift police action calms fears after anti-terror probe at St Joseph’s Church
A tense Sunday morning in Bukit Timah tested Singapore’s security readiness and social resilience, as authorities responded swiftly to a reported threat at a major place of worship.
Suspicious Item Found During Early Morning Hours
A 26-year-old man was arrested on Dec 21 after a suspicious item was discovered at St Joseph’s Church along Upper Bukit Timah Road. Police said they were alerted at about 7.10am, shortly before the 7.30am Chinese-language mass. The man, a church volunteer, claimed he found the item in a drain within the church premises and later immobilised himself while holding onto it, prompting immediate concern for public safety.
Church Evacuated as Authorities Secure the Area
In response, police evacuated the church and cordoned off the area, activating the Singapore Armed Forces’ Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group. Singapore Civil Defence Force vehicles and plainclothes officers were deployed, while congregants were redirected to nearby churches. All mass services scheduled for the day were cancelled, with operations ongoing throughout the morning and afternoon.
Item Assessed as Harmless After Detailed Checks
After thorough assessment at about 10.40am, authorities confirmed the object contained no explosive elements. It was found to be three cardboard rolls and wires taped together with black tape, resembling an improvised explosive device but ultimately harmless. The item was removed, and police operations concluded at around 5.10pm. No injuries were reported.
Arrest Made Under Anti Terrorism Regulations
Despite the item being harmless, the man was arrested under Regulation 8(2)(a) of the United Nations Anti Terrorism Measures Regulations for suspected involvement in the incident. Investigations are ongoing, according to the Singapore Police Force. Officers were later seen escorting a handcuffed suspect and examining a white vehicle parked within the church compound.
Leaders Praise Calm and Decisive Response
Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, the MP for Holland Bukit Timah GRC, thanked the Singapore Police Force, SAF, and SCDF for their quick, calm, and resolute response. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam and Senior Minister of State Faishal Ibrahim echoed similar sentiments, stressing that places of worship must remain safe spaces free from fear and intimidation.
Heightened Sensitivity After Past Incidents
The incident comes against the backdrop of earlier security concerns at the same church. In November 2024, its priest, Reverend Christopher Lee, was stabbed during mass in an unrelated, non terrorism incident. Authorities have since maintained heightened vigilance, especially following other cases involving suspicious parcels at places of worship, including Masjid Al Istiqamah.
Faith Communities Call for Unity and Vigilance
Religious groups including the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore and the Singapore Buddhist Federation urged calm and solidarity, emphasizing that such incidents must not erode trust in Singapore’s multiracial and multi religious fabric. Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo also reminded Singaporeans that social harmony remains a hard won and shared responsibility.
The St Joseph’s Church incident underscores the importance of vigilance, measured responses, and public trust in institutions. For both Indonesians observing regional security developments and Singaporeans living in a diverse society, the episode highlights how calm leadership and swift action are vital in preserving safety and social cohesion.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , Channel News Asia (2025)
Keywords: St Joseph’s Church, Singapore Police Force, Anti Terrorism Regulations, Religious Harmony, Public Security
