Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has condemned the murder of a priest from the Diocese of Malaybalay in Bukidnon and whose death, she said, showed the worsening culture of killing under the Duterte regime.
De Lima said the recent killing of Rene Regalado, 42, was just another manifestation of the impunity enjoyed by the perpetrators of killings in the country.
“The unabated killings in the country—from priests to farmers, activists, lawyers and citizens from the vulnerable sector of society-are the result of the impunity and violence propagated by this murderous regime who show no regard for human life,” she said.
“Assassins targeting priests had been a no-no in PH modern history. Ngayon lang sa ilalim ng isang berdugong Pangulo.”
Based on media reports, Regalado was shot and killed as he was about to go back to his seminary in Barangay Patpat, Malaybalay City, onJan. 24.
His body was found more than two hours after five gunshots were heard at 7:30 p.m. a few meters from the Carmelite Monastery. He sustained bullet wounds in the head.
De Lima said authorities should ensure a thorough investigation of the unfortunate incident to give justice to the victim and the family he left behind and at the same time help put an end to the nationwide bloodbath.
“The perpetrator of the crime should be held accountable, so is the enabler of this culture of violence,” she said.
This 18th Congress, the senator from Bicol filed Senate Bill 1842 to define and criminalize extrajudicial killings and related acts to ensure an independent investigation of summary killings and provide compensation for the victims.