27.9 C
Philippines
Friday, March 29, 2024

2:17 PM

27.9 C
Philippines
Friday, March 29, 2024

2:17 PM

Mafia-like hitmen mauled, killed a priest in Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)—With a bullet in his head, bruises on face, and a white shoelace tied on his left hand, a dead priest was found on the ground some meters away from his Chevy car near the Sayre Highway, Malaybalay City, early Sunday night.

Malaybalay Diocesan priest Fr. Rene Regalado, 42, neared the Saint John College Seminary where he stayed in Pal-ing, Patpat, Malaybalay City when shot dead.

At press time, neither the killer nor the motive was known about the incident, but City Police Chief Jerry Tambis said that indications showed the priest was mauled before he was done in.

Crime scene operatives recovered a .45 caliber pistol, two magazines, an empty shell, and 10 live cartridges from the scene.

His fellow priests as well as friends said Father Rene had confided to them he had death threats but he seemed undisturbed.

Rev. Fr. Rene Regalado. Photo from the Facebook Page of Malaybalay San Isidro Labrador Cathedral.

These threats were confirmed by Fr. Rene’s brother, Alboy Regalado who said he was informed secretly also by his brother of the looming danger.

Both ignored it.

Why would priests be killed? The first victim was Rev. Fr. Nerilito Satur who was slain for blocking timber poachers in Bukidnon forests, many years back.

Fr. Regalado was a member of the popular musical band of Bukidnon priests that had performed here and abroad.

A good-looking singer, he doubled as a guitarist and organist.

Sunday’s incident is now the subject of investigation, Bukidnon provincial director Col. Roel Lami-ing told the media today. (PIA Bukidnon)