Samar bishops seek justice for slain anti-mining advocate

Three Catholic bishops in Samar Island in Eastern Visayas today voiced outrage over the murder of an anti-mining advocate in the province.

 

Bishops Crispin Varquez of Borongan, Isabelo Abarquez of Calbayog and Emmanuel Trance of Catarman lamented the fatal stabbing of Francisco Canayong by unidentified men in Salcedo town last May 1.

 

“We are deeply saddened by the murder of Mano Francing. We are outraged by its injustice,” the three bishops said in a joint pastoral letter, excerpts of which were posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ news site.

 

“We pray and call for justice to Mano Francing’s death,” they added.

 

According to the CBCP, Canayong was ambushed in Naparaan village in Salcedo town as he drove his tricycle homeward. 

 

The bishops said that Canayong had received death threats several times because of his anti-mining stance but it did not stop him from continuing his “principled work for the truth and the environment.” They added that Canayong was offered bribes to stop his opposition but he rejected them.

 

Canayong was a member of the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development.

 

The bishops said Canayong also held leadership positions in other non-governmental organizations advocating environmental protection, human rights, and "ordinary citizens’ welfare.”

 

The bishops exhorted the faithful who believe in what Canayong stood for to continue his crusade to protect the island’s remaining forests.

 

“Rather than be discouraged, we should take inspiration from his sacrifice if only because he reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus our Master himself,” they said.

 

“The victory of Christ’s resurrection is a sure sign that right is might and that the good that we do will triumph in the end,” they added.- DVM, GMA News