BAGUIO CITY — The Catholic Diocese of Bangued priests in Abra have condemned the recent surge of killings and shootings in the province.
In a statement issued in Ilocano on September 15, the priests voiced their concern following a series of violent incidents that claimed several lives.
“Adtoykami a mangitakder a napnoan-bileg ti panangkontra ken panangkondenar kadagiti kinaranggas ken pammapatay a nangramaramen kadagiti gimgimongtayo, aglalo ditoy probinsiatayo nga Abra,” the statement read.
(We are here to condemn and stand strongly against the violence and killings that have caused havoc in our church communities, especially in Abra.)
The priests expressed alarm and sadness as the list of victims grows. They also shared their sorrow with families affected by the violence, who now live in fear and grief.
The clergy called on government officials, various groups, and the people of Abra to come together for a heart-to-heart discussion to find solutions. They emphasized the Church’s strong support for any plans or actions aimed at resolving conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The priests also urged the public to join them in praying for the victims and their families.
“Sangsangkamaysatay a tumakder kontra iti kultura ti kinaranggas a mangsina-sina kadatayo. Naawagantayo kas timek agpaay kadagiti awanan ti timek iti gimong, makikaysa kadagiti mailupit-lupit, ken tumulong a mangagas iti sugat a pinarnuay ti gura,” the clergy said.
(We stand together against the culture of violence that is dividing us. We are called to be a voice for the voiceless in society, to unite with the oppressed, and to help heal the wounds caused by hatred.)
The Abra police are currently investigating the recent shootings.
The most recent incident occurred on September 16, when Raniel Romero was shot and killed in Barangay Cabuloan, Bangued. Police are still investigating the case.
On September 12, Pidigan Vice Mayor Noel Menor Bisares narrowly escaped death when two unidentified gunmen shot him at his hardware store in Barangay Pamutic, Pidigan.
Couple Rodel and Zoraida Bermudez were shot while tending to their store in Manabo, Abra on September 3. The police said they have custody of the suspects.
Earlier, on September 1, police reported the death of 41-year-old farmer Hidalgo Garcillano Villanueva, who was shot inside a house in Sitio Lugit, Patucannay, Tayum, Abra.
On the same day, 74-year-old Gregorio Castillo, a former Sangguniang Bayan member of Dolores, survived an ambush in Sitio Curapo, Barangay Poblacion, Dolores. While parking his vehicle, a motorcycle pulled up, and the driver fired three shots at him.
Another ambush took place on August 29, targeting 58-year-old former Barangay Captain Marcelino Castillo Banayos and his passenger, 20-year-old construction worker Janssen Benauro Blanes. Both survived the attack. Authorities said the shooting was “possibly politically motivated.” # nordis.net