Church wants deeper probe into Fr. Paez slay case

Peace advocates support the call of the Catholic Church in asking the government to stop the killings and bring justice to the murder of Fr. Tito Paez. INQUIRER.net / Pathricia Ann V. Roxas

The social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on the Duterte administration on Friday to conduct a thorough investigation into the murder of Nueva Ecija priest Fr. Marcelito “Tito” Paez and stop government forces from committing acts of violence against Church people.

The National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA)/Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian development and advocacy arm of the Catholic Church, vehemently condemned the killing of Paez and branded it an “attack to the Church and its mission for social justice and empowerment of the poor.”

“It slowly creates social awareness among Filipinos that no one who is working for social development in the community level is safe anymore in the present socio-political situation in the country,” Fr. Edwin A. Gariguez, NASSA/Caritas Philippines executive secretary, said in a statement.

“It also reflects the deterioration of values and respect of human life, especially those who are mandated to protect the human rights,” he added.

Paez, 72, was shot by motorcycle-riding gunmen on Monday night while driving home along Barangay Lambakin in the town of Jaen, Nueva Ecija. He was rushed to nearby Gonzales General Hospital in San Leonardo town but died while undergoing treatment.

READ: PNP to probe murder of Ecija priest – Palace

Hours before he was killed, Paez facilitated the release of a political prisoner, Rommel Tucay, which many believed to be the motive behind his murder.

Paez served as a parish priest in Rizal town under the Diocese of San Jose. He was active in the diocese’s Justice and Peace Office, which advocates for the promotion of the human rights of the poor.

He was also a key figure in the opposition to the construction of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

“Perhaps, Fr. Tito’s mistake, in the eyes of the persecutors, was his passion in his ministry for social justice and development of the life of the farmers, fisher folks and workers,” Gariguez said.

“Fr. Tito is one of the many clergy and religious people who offered their lives for the cause of social justice,” he said, adding that Paez “heeded the challenge” of Pope Francis to “hear the poor.”

Gariguez called on the Duterte administration to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and arrest the perpetrators to give justice for Paez’ death.

“NASSA/Caritas Philippines also demands the government to stop its security forces from acts of violence on Church people who commit themselves to serve and work with the poor towards empowerment and development,” he added.

The executive secretary emphasized the Church people are only “complimenting the government’s task in promoting, defending and fulfilling the human rights of the Filipinos for common good.”

“As long as the government only serves and works for and with the ‘few,’ conflicts of interest may fuel government to attack anyone or groups who work for social justice and common good,” he noted.

Gariguez also called on the public to “stand up and unite in promoting social justice and in denouncing the latest killings and all brutal and senseless killings in the name of change.”

“Let us not put in vain the life of Fr. Tito and all others who died for the sake of justice. Let us stop these acts of violence and denounce any attacks against human life, human dignity and human rights,” he added. /jpv