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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bishop condemns killing of couple in Negros Or.

Bishop condemns killing of couple in Negros Or.

Published Dec 16, 2020 09:36 am

San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza has condemned what he called as the "unstoppable murders" in his diocese.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos
(BP. ALMINAZA / FACEBOOK / CBCP / MANILA BULLETIN)

The prelate said this following the killing of Dr. Mary Rose Sancelan and her husband Edwin in Negros Oriental, Tuesday.

Bishop Alminaza said their brutal murder come hours after the release of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) document “Report on Preliminary Examination Activities 2020," which is a step further in their collective desire to end the systematic and uncontrolled killings.

"This is unwelcoming of the spirit of the Season of Christmas," Alminaza said in a statement.

"Dr. Sancelan was branded, villified, red-tagged, and now, executed, by the ruthless pawns of the enablers of 'systematic killings' in this country. Her only crime, much like the soon-to-be born-infant Jesus in a manger, was her unselfish service to the poor people of Guihulngan—both as a ‘barrio doctor’ and as 'defender of the poor,'" he added.

Alminaza said Sancelan’s life and her commitment to true government service deserved a worthy recognition.

Sadly, he said, the same government that was expected to recognize her dedication to government service, failed to protect her.

"If government cannot protect us, who else will? If government cannot protect us, how are we ordinary citizens to be expected to trust this government?" said Alminaza.

He expressed hope that there will be a swift and determined investigation on the couple's death.

The prelate asked everyone to pray for an end to the killings.

"Join me in prayer in the face of unstoppable murders in our Diocese. Join me in hope that these killings will soon end. But join me, too, in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the senseless murder of helpless civilians and dedicated servants of government," said Alminaza.

"Today, more than ever, the Filipino families do not deserve this senseless gift of violence," he added.

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