Pope names new bishop in Bayombong

Pope Francis has appointed a new bishop of Bayombong in Nueva Vizcaya, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines announced on Friday.

Most Rev. Jose Elmer Mangalinao, who is currently the Auxiliary Bishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, will take over the role from Bishop Ramon Villena who retired in 2016.

A bishop for just almost two years, he will be third to head the 36-year-old diocese with more than half a million Catholics in 20 parishes.

Mangalinao grew up in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Cabanatuan in 1985.