UCA News
Contribute

Police arrest priest murder suspects

Justice secretary says witnesses have identified two brothers
Police arrest priest murder suspects
Father Fausto Tentorio working in his convent in Arakan, North Cotabato (photo: PIME)
Published: December 29, 2011 08:39 AM GMT
Updated: December 29, 2011 08:42 AM GMT

An alleged gunman in the killing of Italian missionary Father Fausto Tentorio in October has been arrested, the justice department announced today. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said operatives from the police and the National Bureau of Investigation Thursday arrested Jimmy Ato in a remote village in Arakan in North Cotabato province. She said witnesses identified Ato, who is also wanted for a separate case of arson and homicide, as the one who shot Fr Tentorio on October 17 inside the church compound where he was serving as parish priest. Ato’s brother Robert, who allegedly drove the getaway motorcycle, was also arrested. De Lima said Robert shot at the arresting team but nobody was hurt. The justice chief said she has asked the army to provide security to local government assets in North Cotabato, who now fear retaliation from Ato’s family. Fr Tentorio, an anti-mining advocate, was the third Italian Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) priest shot in Mindanao, and the second in the Diocese of Kidapawan.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia