Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Basilan (Agenzia Fides) - 15 years after his death, the community of Basilan in the southern Philippines, led by Bishop Martin Jumoad of the Prelature of Basilan, commemorated father Rohel Gallardo, Claretian priest killed on May 3, 2000 by militants of the Abu Sayyaf radical Islamic group. Gallardo was taken hostage by the terrorist group along with four teachers and 22 students of the Claret School of Tumahabong, in March 2000. With him three teachers and five children were killed.
The Claretian priests present in Mindanao and the Sulu islands continue to remember him as "a brother who gave his life at the service of the faithful in Basilan". Bishop Jumoad, in his homily, recalled him as "a martyr for peace".
15 years after his martyrdom, today we say thanks to Fr. Rhoel for giving his life to the Church. His blood becomes a source of inspiration for all of us Christians", he remarked.
The faithful of Basilan recalled the tragic moments of the abduction and murder. The survivors of this seizure recalled how Fr. Gallardo "encouraged not to lose hope, asking them to always pray with the Holy Rosary". The hostages prayed the Rosary for their captors.
Martyrdom is remembered while the Philippine Congress is living decisive moments for the approval of the "Bangsamoro basic law", the fundamental law that, if passed, will establish a new Muslim autonomous region. In recent days Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, Archbishop of Cotabato, Mindanao, reiterated support for the ratification of the Law, which is "a basis for lasting peace in Mindanao". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/05/2015)
