UCCP bishop, staunch Marcos critic, dies in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY –  Bishop Emeritus Juan Marigza of the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP), a vocal critic of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, died this week. He was 89 years old.

Marigza spoke out against Marcos and pushed for the organization of Baguio chapters of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) and the North Luzon Human Rights Organization (NLHRO). He placed Martial Law detainees like the late Corazon Cortel, wife of slain rebel priest Conrado Balweg, under his protection.

In 1984, his eldest daughter Mary Lou and six others disappeared. The bishop and his wife visited every military camp for two weeks in search of Mary Lou until soldiers finally admitted arresting them. They stayed in jail for 13 months.

Marigza died on Sept. 6 after serving UCCP for 61 years, according to his son, Bishop Reuel Norman Marigza, who asked friends and supporters to donate money for a memorial fund his family intends to put up “in support of his advocacy and the ministry.”

The elder Marigza’s remains were at the UCCP church near Burnham Park until Friday. His body will be transported to his hometown, Aringay, in La Union province where he will be buried on Wednesday(Sept. 12). KIMBERLIE QUITASOL