DOJ ready to probe killing of priest in Bukidnon

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is ready to investigate the killing of a priest in Bukidnon, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Tuesday.

Guevarra said he will let the Philippine National Police (PNP) investigate the killing of Fr. Rene Regalado, 42, before the DOJ’s Administrative Order (AO) 35 Task Force.

“As to the priest murdered in Bukidnon, we’ll wait for the police to uncover more facts before we decide to take any definite action,” he said.

Guevarra is the chairman of the AO 35 Task Force, also known as the Inter-Agency Committee on Extra-Legal Killings , Enforced Disappearances, Torture and Other Grave Violations to the Rights to Life, Liberty and Security of Persons.

The task force was created under AO 35 that was issued in 2012 by then President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Regalado was found dead Sunday night along the road near the Carmelite Monastery in Barangay Patpat, Malaybalay City.

The victim sustained five gunshot wounds, according to police reports.

Police has revealed that the priest has been receiving death threats concerning a rape case filed against the priest.

The priest was able to post bail over the case which accused him of raping a female alter server.