Bishop Joel Baylon of Legazpi condemned the killing of two village officials, including a parish lay leader, in the province of Albay.
Village chief Luzviminda “Kap Ida” Dayanda and village treasurer Albert Orlina of Batbat village in Guinobatan town were gunned down on September 21.
The two were killed by unidentified gunmen while heading home after helping a constituent go to a hospital and meeting with the town’s mayor.
The bishop called for an investigation into the killings and for a “speedy disposition of their cases so that justice may be served.”
Dayanda was an active lay leader in St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Mauraro village, while also serving as chairperson of the village’s pastoral council.
“People who knew her attest to her quiet faith in God, humble service to the Church, and passionate commitment to the people under her care,” said Bishop Baylon.
“We pray for consolation, peace, and safety of their community and the family and loved ones they left behind,” he said.
The bishop said Dayanda earlier complained of being accused as a communist New People’s Army supporter by some soldiers who were staying in their village, “a charge she vehemently denied”.
Bishop Baylon expressed concern over reports of rebel activities in the village and nearby areas, as well as alleged human rights violations against civilians by government forces.
The prelate asked the warring parties to stop violence, saying that “peace and security cannot be achieved at the expense of justice and human rights.”
“When armed groups clash in communities, without regard for rule of law and the dignity of persons, it is the poor and vulnerable residents who suffer the most,” he said.
