Bishop Leo Dalmao of the Isabela prelature has mourned the passing of former Lamitan Mayor Rosita Furigay, a peace advocate.

"The murder of former Lamitan Mayor Rosita Furigay, Victor George Capistrano, her executive assistant, and Jeneven Bandiala, security guard at Ateneo de Manila University, and wounding of Hannah Rose, daughter of Mayor Furigay on Sunday, July 24 come as a distressing news for many of us in Basilan who knew the former mayor," he said in a statement.

As chief executive of Lamitan, Dalmao said, the mayor was an active partner of the Prelature in several peace building efforts and inter-religious undertakings.

"We are pained by the loss of a fellow peace advocate," he said.

Dalmao said the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan, find such violent attack "disturbing and deplorable."

"Violence does not have a place in our Christian life and in society as a whole. We uphold the rule of law. We advocate the peaceful and just resolution of all forms of violence. We call for the swift and just resolution of this case," he said.

The prelate called for sobriety among the people of Lamitan and of the rest of Basilan.

"Let not this incident put to waste the peace we have worked so long and hard for. Rather, let us use this incident to strive harder to live by God's precepts," said Dalmao.

He then assured the bereaved families of their sympathies and prayers.

"Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will pray for the healing and recovery of Hannah Rose and God's loving comfort to all who are in deep sorrow over their loss," Dalmao said.