Vizcaya bishop backs priest over town official's ouster moves

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – The Archbishop of Bayombong is standing behind a priest whose relief from his parish is being sought by the politicians of Quezon town in Nueva Vizcaya. The politicians led by Mayor Aurelio Salunat of Quezon earlier asked Archbishop Bishop Ramon Villena to pull out Fr. Emiliano Ibera’s from the St. Michael the Archangel parish, blaming him for allegedly making false statements. The petition was in reaction to accusations reportedly aired by the priest over the alleged connivance of some municipal officials with timber poachers, and the supposed abusive behavior of the mayor’s armed bodyguards. Salunat said he requested for additional security from the police due to a failed assassination attempt on his life four months ago and that he already asked the help of the community environment officer to look after the reported illegal cutting of trees in his jurisdiction. Villena, however, said he was not touching Ibera since the Diocesan priests and all its commissions have expressed their unwavering support to him. Ibera’s appointment shall “continue in effect until revoked by me or by the legitimate superiors of his congregation," Villena’s statement read. The statement was read to the public in Diffun town of Quirino province during the occasion of the Solemnity of Christ the King in Bayombong’s sub-diocese of Quirino on Sunday. The major occasion was attended by the whole clergy and delegates from all parishes of the Diocese. In an interview with GMANews.TV, Ibera disclosed that he was surprised when the statement was read during the religious affair in Quirino province. “I haven’t talked with the bishop about the issue yet since he came back from the US that’s why I was totally startled when it was suddenly read in public, I didn’t know that the Bishop was already well appraised of what’s happening to me," he said. Ibera’s appointment shall “continue in effect until revoked by me or by the legitimate superiors of his congregation," Villena’s statement read. However, Villena also wrote that after reading the contents of the petition, they believe that there should be further discussions and clarifications on the accusations hurled on the young priest. Ibera who belongs to the order of the Franciscan Friars disclosed that even with the present fiasco going between him and the officials of Quezon, he will continue doing what he thinks is right. “This is my role, to lead the people to the path of righteousness and I will do it no matter what, “he said. After several attempts to reach him for comments, the two mobile numbers given by Salunat to the media remain inaccessible. - GMANews.TV