Parishioners mourn priest’s death in Bohol town

LOBOC, Bohol—Parishioners of St. Peter the Apostle Parish here are mourning the death of their parish priest who was found dead on Monday night.

Father Marcelino Dano Biliran, 56, was found hanging inside the toilet in his room at the convent around 6 p.m. when a church worker went to check why he had not come out for dinner.

Inspector Sam Dacullo, Loboc police chief, said Biliran had hung himself using an extension wire.

“There was no foul play in the death of Biliran,” Dacullo told the Inquirer on Tuesday.

Dr. Lev Varquez, Loboc Rural Health Unit Officer who conducted an autopsy on the body, said Biliran died of asphyxia due to the constriction of neck.

A relative, who asked not to be identified, said the priest was diagnosed with colon cancer last year.

Since then, the priest had been depressed, according to Biliran’s friend.

Parishioners said Biliran was rarely seen officiating Mass in the past months.

Biliran’s death dampened the festive atmosphere of the community preparing for the fiesta celebration of their second patron saint, St. Paul the Apostle.

“It is very sad for the community, sad for me and sad for everybody,” said Loboc councilor Tessie Labunog-Sumampong, a parishioner.

“He (Biliran) was a wonderful guy,” she added.

Another parishioner, Vir Jala, 50, said Biliran had been a great help to the parishioners, especially those who needed advice and support.

Last April, Biliran celebrated his 25th sacerdotal anniversary. He studied Bachelor of Arts Major in Philosophy at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Taloto District, Tagbilaran City and at the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos in Mabolo,Cebu City.

Biliran served as parish priest in several parishes in Bohol. He was parish priest of St. Isidore The Farmer Parish in Bilar before he was transferred to St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Loboc on June 8, 2015. RAM/rga

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