Bohol priest did not kill self over cancer — NBI

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has concluded that a parish priest in Bohol did not commit suicide after being diagnosed with colon cancer. 

The NBI said Fr. Marcelino Biliran was killed, disputing initial police findings that the priest died by hanging himself, using an extension wire, on June 27. 

However, the agency declined to give details on its autopsy report, which was announced by Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso at the funeral rites for Biliran on Tuesday. 

For Biliran's family, the results confirmed what they thought all along. 

They said the priest could not kill himself as this is against the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

The family also appealed for justice. 

"We will of course pursue the investigation so that we can achieve justice for our Father Mar," said Leah Sumampong, the priest's niece, in a report of GMA News' Mark Salazar on "24 Oras" on Thursday. 

Biliran was ordained a priest in 1992 and served as parish priest in several churches in the province before he was transferred to the St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Loboc town last year. — Virgil Lopez/BAP, GMA News