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Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian of Bangued reads a statement about the rising cases of violence in Abra while presiding over a Catechetical Sunday Mass
BAGUIO, Philippines – Catholic priests in Abra have expressed alarm over a wave of shootings in the province over the past two weeks.
The priests from the Diocese of Bangued released a statement on Sunday, September 15, calling on people to unite and condemn the escalating violence affecting several communities.
Diocese of Bangued Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian read the statement at Saint James the Elder Cathedral in Bangued, where he presided over the Mass for Catechetical Sunday.
“Adtoykami a mangitakder a napnoan-bileg ti panangkontra ken panangkondenar kadagiti kinaranggas ken pammapatay a nangramaramen kadagiti gimgimongtayo, aglalo ditoy probinsiatayo nga Abra,” the statement read in part.
(We are here to stand firmly and condemn the violence and killings that have caused havoc in our church communities, especially in Abra.)
Concerned about the growing number of victims, the priests shared their sorrow for the grieving families now living in fear and distress due to the ongoing violence.
The clergy called on local government officials, civic organizations, and residents to engage in open dialogue to address the situation. They reiterated the Church’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peaceful conflict resolution and foster unity.
They also urged the public to join them in prayers for the victims and their families.
“Sangsangkamaysatay a tumakder kontra iti kultura ti kinaranggas a mangsina-sina kadatayo. Naawagantayo kas timek agpaay kadagiti awanan ti timek iti gimong, makikaysa kadagiti mailupit-lupit, ken tumulong a mangagas iti sugat a pinarnuay ti gura,” the clergy said.
(We stand together against the culture of violence that is dividing us. We are called to be a voice for the voiceless in society, to unite with the oppressed, and to help heal the wounds caused by hatred.)
Spate of shootings
The surge in violence has put pressure on law enforcement. At least five shooting incidents have been reported across different towns in the province this September, three of which resulted in the deaths of at least three people.
The most recent occurred on September 16, when Raniel Romero was fatally shot in Barangay Cabuloan, Bangued. Authorities are still investigating the incident.
Just a few days earlier, on September 12, Pidigan Vice Mayor Noel Menor Bisares survived an attack by gunmen who wounded him inside his hardware store in Barangay Pamutic, Pidigan.
On September 16, the police announced that investigation was ongoing, and authorities found the alleged motorcycle used by the suspects.
In Manabo town, gunmen shot at the couple Rodel and Zoraida Bermudez on September 3, while they were tending their store. Rodel died during the attack, but police managed to arrest the suspects.
Two separate shootings were also reported on September 1. Hidalgo Garcillano Villanueva, a 41-year-old farmer, was killed in Sitio Lugit, Patucannay, Tayum.
Meanwhile, former Dolores town councilor Gregorio Castillo, 74, survived an ambush while parking his vehicle in Sitio Curapo, Barangay Poblacion, Dolores.
On August 29, Marcelino Castillo Banayos, a former barangay chairman of Bañacao, Bangued, and construction worker Janssen Benauro Blanes survived after they were ambushed in the village of San Antonio in the same town.
The police report said Banayos is an ally of the ruling Valera family, and that the incident may have been “politically motivated.” – Rappler.com
