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» 09/07/2009 09:10
PHILIPPINES
Filipino priest killed in an ambush in Northern Samar
by Santosh Digal
Fr. Cecilio Lucero was the victim of an ambush. The police speak of an attack by armed group of 30 men. The 48 year old priest, pastor of St. Josephs in the town of Catubig, was known for his efforts as director of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Catarman.

Manila (AsiaNews) - Fr Cecilio Lucero, a 48 year-old Filipino priest, was killed by unknown persons in the region of Northern Samar, southeast of the capital Manila.

 

Police said that the ambush occurred at 8:30 am on September 6. The priest was driving in his car, a Toyota van, when an armed group of about 30 people attacked him near the village of Layuhan. Fr. Lucero died instantly while Miras and Jose Isidro Aguda, the other two people who were on board the vehicle together with the priest, were seriously injured.  

The priest was pastor of St. Joseph in the town of Catubig. Known for his social commitment as director of the Social Action Centre of the Diocese of Catarman, Fr. Lucero was the younger brother of Wilmar Lucero, former lawmaker in Northern Samar, and the deputy regional governor, Antonio Lucero.

Investigators speculate that the murder may be linked to the activity of Fr. Lucero in defence of civil rights and help of the poor people of the diocese.   Msgr. Emmanuel Trance, Bishop of Catarman, hopes that the police arrest the culprits as soon as possible.  The murder of the priest is the latest in a series of murders in Northern Samar which have had as victims, politicians, businessmen and media representatives. The Social Action Centre confirms that over the last six months there were 18 murders in the region.
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See also
09/11/2009 PHILIPPINES
Filipino bishops and humanitarian associations condemn the murder of Fr Cecilio Lucero
10/12/2004 PHILIPPINES
Farmers' rights must be protected, Filipino bishops say
by Sonny Evangelista
11/11/2004 PHILIPPINES
Family and friends push children into prostitution
10/06/2004 PHILIPPINES
Food coupons won't sate hunger, Bishop Iñiguez says
07/22/2008 PHILIPPINES
Catholic and non-Catholic students, united in defense of life
by Santosh Digal

Dossier

Editor's choices
CHINA - VATICAN
Underground bishop: I joined the Patriotic Association for the good of the Church
by Zhen Yuan
Mgr. An Shuxin says he was not pressured by the Vatican for his choice. In front of the division created in the diocese of Baoding, priests and experts are asking the Vatican and China to free the ordinary Bishop Su Zhimin, , in prison for the past 13 years.
PAKISTAN - EU
Blasphemy in Pakistan and the European Court’s attack on the crucifix
by Bernardo Cervellera
Launched today from Rome the European leg (France, Holland, Belgium, Germany) of a campaign to raise awareness in Church and society of the plight and oppression of minorities in Pakistan, particularly the Christian one, due to the blasphemy law. A most unusual unity of purpose joins Islamic fundamentalists and European relativists.
CHINA – VATICAN
In Hebei, underground bishop joins Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association
by Bernardo Cervellera
Mgr Francis An Shuxin spent ten years in police custody. Now he is free but still under surveillance, dragged around to meetings to show the correctness of the government’s religious policy. Three bishops remain in police custody. A priest is arrested whilst two are freed to join the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association. The Vatican is accused of ambiguities.

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