ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Priest who defended human rights killed

Manila (Agenzia Fides) – The political crimes and executions, along with the plight suffered by human rights activists, which have been characterizing the Philippines have now affected a Catholic priest. Fr. Cecilio Lucero was killed yesterday, September 6, by a group of armed men in the Province of North Samar, to the south of Manila.
According to local police sources, the priests was traveling in his car, when he was stopped by over 30 people who opened fire on him, causing his immediate death. Another two people were in the vehicle with him and were severely wounded.
Fr. Lucero, parish priest of the city of Catubig, was revered by all as a defender of the down-trodden and an activist for human rights. He was the head of the Commission for Human Rights of the Diocese of Catarman (his home diocese) and had started various initiatives for defending the poor and denouncing the abuse of power. He also had relatives among the politicians of the Province of North Samar. This fact, investigators say, could be linked to the homicide, in a sort of revenge or political warning sign.
In the region of North Samar, there have been several murders of politicians, journalists, social workers, and pastoral workers who have raised their voices in defense of human rights of the most down-trodden and accused the powerful of corruption. In the last six months, there have been 18 homicides.
Among the priests who have received threats and risk their lives to carry on their commitment to society in the Philippines are: Fr. Feliciano Nalzaro, a priest working in defense of human rights, and Fr. Peter Geremia (PIME), active in the defense of native minorities.
According to the “Melo Report” of 2007, the Melo Commission created by Arroyo's administration, dissident sectors of the Filipino Army are in a large part responsible for the murders of journalists, activists, politicians...in recent years. The report denounces the collusion and complicity of the army, as well as the support, training, and arming of paramilitary groups, to whom they entrust their “dirty work” of the executions, which according to civil rights group “Karapatan,” there have been 900, since 2001. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/9/2009)