Senator Bam Aquino expressed serious concerns over the death of Father Richmond Nilo and other priests, saying it underscores the growing culture of impunity and escalating violence in our country. 

“Nangyari ito sa isang sagradong lugar, sa harap ng maraming tao. Kung hindi pa tayo natatakot at nababahala, hindi ko na po alam,” said Sen. Bam, as he visited the priest’s wake in Nueva Ecija.

“Wala nang ligtas kahit sino, kahit saan. Pati loob ng ating mga simbahan pinasok na ng karahasan,” Sen. Bam added. 

As a response, Sen. Bam will file a resolution to investigate the peace and order situation in the country in light of the flagrant killings of religious leaders. 

The senator said the deaths of the three Catholic priests in public and out in the open has roused fear and deep anguish to Filipinos who find comfort in their faith and religious community.

He added that the incidents merit a probe so Congress can support the quest for justice and strengthen efforts to ensure the safety and security of our country’s religious leaders.

Last June 10, 2018, Father Nilo, was shot by two unknown assailants as he was walking towards the altar to preside over Sunday mass at a small chapel of Nuestra Senora dela Nieve, in Barangay Mayamot in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija. 

There have been 4 known attacks on Catholic priests in the past 6 months, resulting in 3 deaths.

“Ito ba ang peace and order na pinangako ng administrasyon? Ang mga mahihirap at mga tagapagtanggol ng mga mahihirap ang nabibiktima,” Sen. Bam stressed.