PNP forms task group to investigate Tuguegarao priest's killing

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has formed a special team that will investigate the killing of Tuguegarao priest Father Mark Ventura.

Chief Superintendent Elmo Sarona, head of the PNP's Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, said the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) is headed by Cagayan Police director Senior Superintendent Warren Tolito.

"The PNP condemns in the strongest term the shooting to death of Father Mark Ventura. The PNP is conducting an intensive investigation," Sarona said.

He said the SITG is already pursuing "several leads" on the killing of the priest.

"Rest assured the task group is doing its best to getting to the bottom of this incident," he said as he declined to mention details of the ongoing investigation.

Sarona said the task group will include in its investigation the possible link of Ventura's anti-mining advocacy in the killing.

Ventura had just officiated Mass in Barangay Piña in Gattaran town two motorcycle-riding gunmen shot him.

Police said the priest was talking to choir members when the shooter, who was wearing a helmet, shot him.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said the killing is "an evil act." —ALG, GMA News