Gonzales: The church is being persecuted

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The head of the Diocese of Bacolod Social Action Center (SAC) yesterday said they are alarmed over the recent killings of priests in Luzon, particularly the recent shooting of 40-year-old Fr. Richmond Nilo in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija over the weekend.

SAC head, Fr. Chris Gonzales, said Nilo’s killing was the third in the last six months, calling it a sign “the church is presently being persecuted.”

He pointed out the “tirades” expressed by the current government.

“We are only human, we also fear, but it won’t stop us in the mandate and mission given to us by the Lord to protect the people and the whole world,” Gonzales said.

He added, it has been part of their job to face the consequences and risks in protecting the interests of the people, adding, they are saddened over the latest incident.

Last Sunday, Nilo was about to celebrate mass when two unidentified gunmen opened fire, killing him on the spot.

Earlier, in April, another priest, Fr. Mark Ventura, was gunned down after celebrating mass in Gataran, Cagayan./DGB, WDJ