Killing of Fr. Mark Ventura

Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio Utleg, in response to allegations, particularly by President Rodrigo Duterte, that Fr. Mark Ventura may have been killed for having illicit affairs, says: "We do not want to speculate on what the reasons are for his death. Neither do we want that the investigation be muddled by the spreading of unfounded rumors and malicious insinuations."

LOOK: Statement of Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio Utleg on slain priest Fr. Mark Ventura, amid speculations that a certain “Fr. Mark Anthony” was engaged in illicit affairs. | @EZMacairan pic.twitter.com/htt4EJOKw3

— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) May 22, 2018

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines strongly condemns the killing of missionary priest Fr. Mark Ventura.

Ventura, known for his anti-mining advocacies, was shot dead on Sunday morning shortly after holding a mass in Barangay Peña West in Gattaran, Cagayan.

Police have yet to determine the motive of the shooting incident.