Stop vigilante killings in Tagum, bishop urges

TAGUM CITY—Bishop Wilfredo Manlapaz of the Diocese of Tagum is rallying Catholics here to rise against summary executions perpetrated by vigilantes.

“We have been hearing reports about killings perpetrated by unknown persons, and for various motives, against hapless victims. This wanton disregard for human life has to stop,” Manlapaz said during a Church-led rally on Thursday.

Over 5,000 people attended the “Tikang sa Kalinaw (March for Peace)” rally here.

Manlapaz urged the city people to pressure government officials to act on the killings. For the past two months, 18 people have been killed, he said.

Investigators have pointed to grudges, “love triangle” and business rivalry as possible motives for the killings, according to Superintendent Rimas Lambert, city police chief.

Lambert has vehemently denied the existence of a vigilante group called the Underground Death Squad. “Most of the killings appeared to be the work of gun-for-hire groups,” he said.

The protesters also recited the Oracio Imperata, a collection of prayers recited during grave need or calamities, against the killings and released lighted lanterns into the air.

“(These killings) is a concern not only of the basic ecclesial communities (BEC) but also of the entire society in general,” Sonny Manego, president of the city’s BEC chapter, said. Frinston L. Lim, Inquirer Mindanao