Manila (AsiaNews) – A clergyman in the United Church of Christ in the Philippines was killed on Wednesday in the eastern province of Leyte. Local Police Chief Superintendent Abner Cabalquinto said that Rev Felomino Catambis, 60, married and a resident of San Vicente Village in Mahaplag town, died from six gunshot wounds.

According to preliminary results from the investigation two men on a motorcycle approached the Christian leader as he travelled by car near Abuyog. After shooting him, they immediately fled the scene.

Empty shells for a calibre 9-mm ammunition were recovered from the ambush site.

Chief Cabalquinto said local investigators are still trying to determine the motive of the crime, adding that operations are still underway to identify and arrest the suspects.

Also today Norberto Manero Jr (see photo) was released from prison. He had murdered Fr Tullio Favali, a missionary with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, on 11 April 1985 in Tulunan.

According to Fr Peter Geremia, a colleague of Father Favali, the murderer “repented for what he did and from now on will be an example of redemption.”

For more information on Manero’s release, click here.