Justice Sec. says they’re ready to probe killing of Bukidnon priest
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that his department is ready to investigate the killing of Bukidnon priest Fr. Rene Regalado.
The 42-year old priest was shot dead Sunday evening. (READ: Bukidnon priest shot dead)
The Justice Secretary said that the Philippine National Police will lead the investigations pertaining to the killing before the DOJ’s Administrative Order 35 Task Force. This means that the DOJ will wait for more facts from the PNP first but they’re ready to investigate.
Guevarra chairs the AO 35 Task Force, also known as the Inter-Agency Committee on Extra-Legal Killings, Enforced Disappearances, Torture and Other Grave Violations to the Rights to Life, Liberty, and Security of Persons.
The said task force was created under AO 35 issued in 2012 by then President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Meanwhile, more details related to the priest’s killing have been disclosed. The priest reportedly sustained 5 gunshot wounds and that he has been receiving death threats concerning a rape case filed against him. The rape case, which was lodged October 2020 in Lala, Lanao del Norte, involves an altar girl. Reportedly, Fr. Regalado already posted bail.
