LP calls for speedy arrest of Cagayan priest’s killers

The Liberal Party (LP) urged on Sunday the local authorities in Gattaran, Cagayan to act immediately and search for those who killed Fr. Mark Ventura, the Catholic priest who was shot dead after he delivered Mass.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, president of LP, said that the case of Ventura should not be treated as another death incident in the country.

“We call on the authorities to capture and prosecute Fr. Ventura’s killers as soon as possible and not treat Fr. Ventura’s death as just another death under investigation wherein perpetrators are never held accountable, as in the case of Fr. Marcelito Paez, who was also killed by unidentified gunmen in Jaen, Nueva Ecija five months ago in December 2017,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

“The brazen attack on the 37-year-old Fr. Ventura, known for his advocacy against mining and being of aid to indigenous peoples, has no place in our society and under this administration which boasts of prioritizing law and order and brags about reduced crime rates,” he said.

Pangilinan, nevertheless, expressed hope that the killing of Ventura and the deportation order against Sr. Patricia Fox were not a reflection of the country’s character.

READ: Sister Fox given final act: Leave in 30 days

“We hope that Fr. Ventura’s death is not a reflection of our nation’s character in light of the recent actions of the government against Sister Patricia Fox — an aid worker for the past 27 years who has been ordered kicked out of the country on baseless claims that she is out to besmirch the government,” he said.

Ventura was killed on the spot by unidentified gunmen right after he celebrated Mass. /je

READ: Cagayan parish priest shot dead after saying Mass