Priest gunned down in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

A Catholic priest was shot dead last Sunday evening in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on his way to the seminary, according to the statement issued by the Malaybalay Diocese.

The statement posted on Monday by the Diocesan spokesperson, Fr. Virgilio Delfin, stated that based on initial information gunshots were heard on the road near the Malaybalay Carmel Monastery in Pal-ing, Patpat, Malaybalay City.

This prompted a priest in the monastery to call the police to check on the situation.

Fr. Rene Regalado was found dead along a road near the Malaybalay Carmel Monastery.

His car, according to the statement, indicated that Regalado was on his way back to the St. John XXIII College Seminary where he resided.

"He was in the city in the afternoon, meeting someone whom he did not indicate when he informed his companions at the seminary before he left at around one o’clock in the afternoon."

The Malaybalay City Police personnel arrived at the scene to conduct an initial investigation followed by Scene of the Crime Operatives, who will conduct an autopsy on Monday.

The priest's car was brought to the Philippine National Police Headquarters in Malaybalay City for further investigation, gathering and securing of evidence.

"The official investigation to the case is on-going," Delfin said, adding that  "We are waiting for further official findings and details."

Based on information provided by the diocese, Fr. Rene Regalado was ordained to the priesthood on October 18, 2007 . He finished his baccalaureate degree in Theology at San Isidro College and his pre-college and college seminary formation at St. John XXIII Pre-College and College Seminaries in Malaybalay City.  

He finished his theological studies at the St. John Mary Vianney Theological Seminary in Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City.

After the autopsy, the funeral wake for Regalado will be held at the San Isidro Labrador Cathedral in Malabalay City and internment will be at the Malaybalay Catholic Cemetery.

"We request everyone to offer prayers for the repose of the soul of Fr. Rene B. Regalado, for the consolation of his immediate family and the Clergy, for the immediate results of the investigation and that justice will be served to whom it is due," said Delfin.

"We put our full trust on the Divine Mercy, the loving intercessions of Our Lady of Mercy and that of our patron, San Isidro Labrador.  May the soul of Fr. Rene rest in peace and that God’s peace will continue to be with us." -- BAP, GMA News