The Philippines: Catholic priest killed in ambush

APD NEWS

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By APD writer Melo M. Acuna

**MANILA, DEC.5 (APD) - ** A 72-year old Catholic priest was shot by still unidentified motorcycle riding men along the Jaen-Zaragoza Road in Jaen, Nueva Ecija last night.

Police officials identified the victim as Fr. Marcellito “Tito” Paez, a resident of Santo Domingo town.

The victim who suffered two gunshot wounds was rushed to Gonzales General Hospital in San Leonardo town but later on died at 10:00 P.M.

He was former parish priest in Guimba town and coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines in Central Luzon.

“Fr. Tito” as called by friends was a leader of the

Central Luzon Alliance for Sovereign Philippines which campaigned passionately for the removal of American military bases in the Philippines.

His immediate superior, Bishop Roberto Mallari of the Diocese of San Jose de Nueva Ecija said “Fr. Tito” retired from being full-time pastor in 2015 and has served the ecclesial province for 33 years since its creation.

“He was deeply involved in Human Rights, agrarian reform and poverty issues,” Bishop Mallari said.

The late priest led the Social Action Commission.

“We strongly condemn the killing as we call on the government to investigate the violent incident,” Bishop Mallari said in a statement released at 2:00 A.M. today.

He also led church services for communities and victims of human rights violations in Central Luzon.

His latest activity was helping facilitie the releasea of a political prisoner identified as Rommel Tucay who was detained at a facility in Cabanatuan City yesterday, some hours before he was shot dead.

He is the first Catholic priest to have been killed since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed power in June 30,2016.

Motorcycle-riding men involved in killings have been responsible for what has been described as ectra-judicial killings in the Philippines.

No group has claimed responsibility for the shooting.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)