NBI ready to probe killings of 3 priests
Department of Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said yesterday the National Bureau of Investigation is ready to probe the killings of three Catholic priests.
But Guevarra said he will allow the Philippine National Police to do its job first. “I will give the PNP ample time to do their job. But I will bring in the NBI anytime as circumstances may warrant,” he said.
Guevarra said the NBI probe would depend on the developments in the police investigations.
Three Catholic priests have been killed in six months – Fr. Richmond Nilo, who was shot dead last June 10 while preparing for a Mass in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija; Fr. Mark Ventura, who was slain in Cagayan after celebrating Mass, and Fr. Marcelito Paez, who was gunned down in Nueva Ecija last Dec. 5.
A primary suspect in the killing of Nilo has been arrested by the police. (Rey G. Panaligan)