UCA News
Contribute

Police arrest priest murder suspects

Siblings allegedly hired gunmen to kill Father Rigonan over property dispute
Police arrest priest murder suspects
Catholics release white balloons after a Mass at the tomb of Father Rigonan
Published: January 06, 2012 08:53 AM GMT
Updated: January 06, 2012 10:05 AM GMT

Police yesterday arrested two of five suspects in the killing of a priest more than four years ago. Roger Macalma and his sister were arrested at their home in Balbuena Village in connection with the death on August 28, 2007 of Father Florante Rigonan. A third suspect, another sister named Liwliwa, gave herself up to police later. Fr Rigonan was shot dead after leaving the house of Florencio and Elisea Macalma, relatives of the suspects, who had returned to retire after four decades of working in San Francisco. The pair arrested allegedly hired two gunmen, still unaccounted for, to kill Fr Rigonan over a property dispute. The couple had donated five million pesos (US$108,000) and raised 250,000 pesos more from family and friends abroad for the construction of their new parish church, which Father Rigonan oversaw. According to witnesses, Roger, Lydia and Liwliwa Macalmas – the couple’s nephew and nieces – did not like Rigonan’s appointment as “administrator” of the couple’s properties in the Philippines. The priest had also been given gifts including a trip to the US anded a service van for his parish activities.

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