Cabanatuan diocese demands justice in priest’s slay

Cabanatuan City (Wikipedia maps)

The Diocese of Cabanatuan has demanded justice for the death of Father Richmond Nilo who was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija.

Cabanatuan Bishop Sofronio Bancud on Monday condemned “in the strongest possible terms” and “deeply mourn” the brutal killing of the 40-year old parish priest of Zaragoza.

Likewise, the prelate called on authorities for a “thorough and impartial” investigation and its “swift” resolution into the case amid an “escalating violence and culture of impunity” against helpless clergymen.

“We earnestly call on our people to pray for the soul of our beloved Father Richmond, for peace, healing and security of our communities, and for the clergy and religious especially in our diocese,” Bancud said in a statement.

“We likewise appeal to those who might have material knowledge on this matter to please cooperate with police authorities,” he added.

Father Nilo was behind the altar as he was getting ready to start Mass at around 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, when two unidentified men shot him through a window four times, a police report disclosed. /cbb