Palace promises probe into killing of activist priest Tito Paez

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday said government agencies will investigate the killing of activist priest Marcelito “Tito” Paez in Nueva Ecija on Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said it is too early to tell if Paez’s killing is “political”.

“We do not know yet if this is a political killing pursuant to the definition of Supreme Court on extralegal killings, which is the killing of political activists and the killing of journalists. However, it will be investigated,” Roque said in a televised press briefing.

According to human rights group Karapatan, 72-year-old Paez was gunned down by unidentified assailants while he was driving his vehicle in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija around 8 p.m. on Monday.

The priest passed away at the San Leonardo Hospital.

Paez is a former parish priest of Guimba town and was a coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines in Central Luzon when he was killed.

He is known for being involved in issues related to human rights, the poor, and farmers.

He recently helped facilitate the release of political prisoner Rommel Tucay, who was detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology compound in Cabanatuan.

“If it is determined by state authorities then it will be covered by [Administrative Order] 35,” Roque said.

Administrative Order 35 created the inter-agency committee on extra-legal killings, enforced disappearances, torture and other grave violations of the right to life, liberty and security of persons. It was signed by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Nov. 22, 2012.

Meanwhile, both Karapatan and the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija condemned Paez's killing.

Karapatan will stage an indignation rally to condemn the killing of Paez, as well as of Pastor Lovelito Quinones in Oriental Mindoro and of eight T'boli and Dulangan Manobo farmers in Lake Sebu, Sultan Kudarat on December 3.

Church: Pray for justice

In a statement signed by Bishop Roberto Mallari, the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose de Nueva Ecija said it, "together with our beloved bishops, are strongly condemning the unjust at violent killing of Father Tito Paez."

Paez retired from church service in 2015 but served the diocese for more 30 years since its establishment in 1984.

"He was among the pillars of Social Action Commission where he led the Justice and Peace Office with the primary goal of upholding human rights for the weak and poor laborers and farmers," the Diocese said.

The church also asked the government to "shed light on and give justice on his death."

"We are also calling for the faithful to pray that justice be meted out for Paez's death and for the repose of his soul," the statement also read.

The Malacañang, for its part, said that it will launch a probe on the killing of Paez. — Rosette Adel and Krsitine Joy Patag, with a report from Evelyn Macairan