The Diocese of Antipolo has formed an investigative body that will look into the cause of death of one of its priests, Father Nomer De Lumen, early this month.
Bishop Francisco De Leon created the ad hoc body on September 28 to investigate the “underlying reasons” regarding the death of the priest.
Father De Lumen was found dead with a bullet wound to his chin inside his room at the convent of St. John the Baptist Parish on September 9.
Members of the committees are tasked to find out the facts behind the death of the priest.
Bishop De Leon said the panel will conduct the investigation in a “respectful and discreet manner” as prudence dictates not only to safeguard the rights of the Church as an institution but to protect the
dignity of the deceased.
He said the panel shall call witnesses and experts, always under oath of confidentiality, as may be necessary to shed light on the case “in the interest of truth, fairness and justice.”
The bishop instructed the panel to submit to him personally the written proceedings and final report and recommendations not later than Nov. 30, 2020.
“All matters submitted to this ad hoc committee and all proceedings conducted are confidential and shall remain confidential and shall not be disclosed to any third party except by operation of law, or by virtue of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction,” said Bishop De Leon.
The bishop also created a panel, as requested by the family of the late priest, “to plan, design, promote and execute measures and programs that may prevent the same or similar incident from happening among the clergy in the future.”
Father De Luman was parochial vicar of St. John the Baptist parish church in Taytay, Rizal, when he died.
The priest had been serving as assistant parish priest at St. John the Baptist Parish and spiritual director of the Commission on Social Communications of the Diocese of Antipolo.
