The Archdiocese of Cebu has confirmed that an ordained priest has taken away his life.

In addressing the public on the death of Rev. Fr. Decoroso Olmilla, the Archdiocese of Cebu issued an official statement on Friday, November 14, 2025 signed by Cebu Archbishop Alberto (Abet) Uy.

“The Archdiocese of Cebu is deeply saddened by the untimely demise of one of its own ordained priest. An in-depth investigation into the untimely death of Rev. Fr. Decoroso (Cocoi) Olmilla has revealed that his mental health collapsed and he has succumbed to the unexpected tragic end of taking his own life,” the statement reads.

“We thank all the local authorities for their effort in providing the necessary assistance in providing careful examination on the matter surrounding his death in the spirit of truth and justice.”

“We invite everyone to pray that Fr. Cocoi may in the end find peace with his Creator. We appeal, on behalf of his family members, for everyone to respect their privacy at the time of such tragic loss and so allow them to grieve in dignity and peace. But as we mourn, we also humbly ask forgiveness for the wounds that this death may have caused on the faith of the faithful. In humility, we can only continue to trust that God’s mercy may remain greater than our human failures. “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things (1 John 3:20).””

“Finally we, in the entire Archdiocese of Cebu, wish to reiterate our moral conviction of upholding the Christian principle that no one has the right to take away what God has alone given, most especially the gift of life. Every life is sacred,” the statement concluded.

(Courtesy: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu)