The social action arm of the Catholic Church in the Philippines has denounced the killing of Niruh Kyle Antatico, a former legal researcher of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) who was gunned down in Cagayan de Oro City on October 10 after exposing alleged corruption in irrigation projects.
In a statement released Wednesday, Caritas Philippines condemned what it described as the “brutal murder” of a “courageous whistleblower” who had received death threats prior to his killing.
“It is with deep grief and righteous anger that we condemn the brutal murder of Niruh Kyle Antatico,” said Bishop Colin M. Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines and bishop of Kidapawan.
The prelate said the killing of Antatico “is not only an attack on one man” but also “an attack on all Filipinos who dare to hold power to account.”
‘A moral crisis that demands action’
Caritas Philippines warned that Antatico’s death reflects a dangerous climate of impunity that threatens those who expose wrongdoing.
“When truth-tellers are silenced and no one is held responsible, a culture of impunity thrives,” the statement read.
“It sends a chilling message that to speak truth to power is dangerous, and that those in authority can act without consequence. This is not only a tragedy — it is a moral crisis that demands action,” it added.
Church and human rights groups urged the NIA, the Department of Justice, and the Philippine National Police to ensure that both the perpetrators and the “corrupt networks exposed by Mr. Antatico” are brought to justice.
Caritas Philippines said that seeking justice for Antatico goes beyond punishing his killers. It also means uncovering the truth behind the alleged misuse of irrigation funds intended for farmers—resources that should have strengthened livelihoods, boosted food production, and upheld the dignity of rural families.
The group stressed that farmers deserve irrigation systems that sustain life, not corruption that deprives them of it.
Church teaching against corruption
Bishop Bagaforo underscored that Antatico’s murder is not merely a political issue but a moral offense that violates the Church’s social teaching.
Citing the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, he said corruption “distorts the role of public institutions, breaking the bond of trust between citizen and state.”
He also referred to Rerum Novarum (1891), which teaches that the state must “protect the laborer and ensure that the fruits of work and resources are distributed with justice.”
“When public funds meant for the poor are stolen, it is not merely a political offense — it is a sin against God and neighbor,” he said.
Quoting Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, the bishop added that corruption is one of the “great evils” blocking authentic human development and peace.
“The earth belongs to everyone, and all its fruits belong to everyone,” the statement quoted. “When greed robs people of their share in God’s creation, the Church must speak and act with courage.”
‘Justice for Kyle, justice for the truth’
Caritas Philippines vowed to stand with the families of whistleblowers and urged government officials to act decisively in defending integrity in public service.
“We will not allow fear to prevail,” Bishop Bagaforo said. “We urge all government officials to make this tragedy an opportunity for moral conversion — to cleanse our institutions, protect whistleblowers, and restore faith in governance,” the prelate added.
The statement concluded with a call for justice, underscoring that the killing of whistleblowers weakens democratic institutions and fosters corruption.
It reiterated Caritas Philippines’ demand for accountability in Antatico’s case and for transparency in the use of public funds intended for farmers.
