Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – The responsibles of father Fausto Tentorio’s murder are to be sought among "former members of the armed forces or police, expelled because accused of crimes, then recycled into private security companies, founded by retired military, or have become hired killers" this is what was stated in a note sent to Agenzia Fides by Fr. Shay Cullen SSC, a missionary from St. Columban, a month after Father Fausto Tentorio’s murder, the PIME missionary killed by unknown assailants on October 17 on the island of Mindanao (southern Philippines), for reasons which are still unclear.
According to Father Cuellen, who has been living in the Philippines since 1969 and is known for his social and pastoral commitment, the responsible killers are to be seeked within the Philippine Army as the killers "had the label of expert and qualified murderers
" Father Fausto Tentorio’s life - notes the missionary from St. Columban - will not be forgotten: he took a stand next to the natives, to help them protect their ancestral lands and their rights from land grabbers and mining companies". With his brother, Fr. Tullio Favali-he continues – he put into action "heroic efforts to protect the environment from the insatiable appetites of multinational corporations, and big business interests backed by dynastic families that still govern the Philippines with private armies".
Fr. Shay adds: "The mining company Sagittarius has a large and controversial project, to which the people and the Diocese of Kidapawan oppose vigorously. The company recently said to respect the rights of people and have nothing to do with Father Tentorio’s killing. But what about the private security company that it hired? ".
Fr. Tentorio was "a missionary martyr for the poor and landless, he gave his life for a fair society. The Filipinos will continue to remember his solidarity, commitment and dedication towards the oppressed indigenous peoples" assures Fr. Cullens.
Meanwhile, the beginning of the work of the great dam, for the hydroelectric plant "Pulangui V" proceeds at a brisk pace, the largest on the island of Mindanao, with an output of 300 megawatts, which will provide power to the provinces of Bukidnon and Cotabato. The "Northern Mindanao Regional Development Council" has sent its positive opinion to the Ministry of Energy. With regards to the project Fr. Fausto had expressed his dissent because the dam will flood cemeteries, holy places, the Manobo and Maguindanaon tribes agricultural and hunting land (for whom Fr. Tentorio had worked), erasing forever the identity, culture and lifestyle of 1 million divided into 27 indigenous communities. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/11/2011)
