Thousands pay final tribute to De La Victoria: Jojo laid to rest, fight continues

Thousands of family, colleagues, friends, and supporters bid their last farewell to slain Cebu City Bantay Dagat project director Elpidio 'Jojo' de la Victoria yesterday reiterating their quest for justice and their determination to continue his crusade against illegal fishing.

The remains of de la Victoria were interred at the Talisay City Catholic Cemetery after a concelebrated requiem mass at the St. Joseph's Parish in Tabunok, Talisay City.

He died last April 13, Holy Thursday, a day after he was shot just outside his residence in Dawis, San Roque, Talisay City.

"Mahinugon ta sa iyang kamatayon kay buotan siya nga tawo, usa ka faithful steward," said Monsignor Esteban Binghay, who officiated the requiem mass together with 16 other priests.

"Apan ang kamatayon buta! Dili mopili kung kinsa iyang kuhaon - buotan o dautan, bisan kanus-a, binsan kinsa kuhaon," added Binghay in his homily.

De la Victoria's son, Vincent, thanked all those who came for the mass and those who condoled with them and remembered the good times with his father.

The young de la Victoria said that his father was someone who always made time for his family despite his hectic schedule being the Bantay Dagat chief and Cebu City's market administrator.

"He lived his life daily as if it was his last," he said of his father, while adding that he was "great" and special, as a father.

But even if his early death became a "big loss" to his family, Vincent said, he was still happy that he (Jojo) has "fulfilled his mission here on earth."

He also asked that justice be served.

Those in attendance at the mass gave a standing ovation for the slain official as a final tribute to his gallant stand for the causes he fought for that were believed to have led to his death.

Municipal Trial Court in Cities Judge Francisco Seville Jr., who is also a "brother" of de la Victoria as fellow members of the Couples For Christ, related the death of de la Victoria as that of Julius Ceasar, who was murdered because of greed.

"Death to a good man is an irony then...and now!" he exclaimed.

Mayor Socrates Fernandez recalled his best memories of de la Victoria as someone close to the Church and his active involvement in various activities.

"Buotan ug putli nga di mahadlok sa kamatayon," described Fernandez of de la Victoria, whom he said was a great friend.

Visayan Sea Squadron team leader Atty. Antonio Oposa said that the death of dela Victoria does not mean the crusade he fought for has ended.

"Kanimo nga nagkuha sa kinabuhi ni Jojo, basin ug nagatuo kamo nga inyo nang napalong ang kandila. Apan sama ra kini sa pagduslit sa among dughan aron pagpadayonon namo ang kawsa nga amo nang gisugdan,"Oposa said.

A few days before de la Victoria was shot, he and Oposa told the media about threats against their lives. They said that P1 million was put up for their heads.

Oposa together with de la Victoria led the campaign to have the Visayan Triangle closed to commercial fishing after a study made by the University of the Philippines showed that the area has already been overfished.

Among those who also paid their respects yesterday were Cebu City first lady Margot Osmena with her son Miguel, Vice Mayor Michael Rama, City Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, fisherfolk, Bantay Dagat groups from various cities and towns, and members of religious organizations which dela Victoria had served.

Charges have been filed against the primary suspect in the case, SPO1 Marcial Ocampo, who is now detained at the Talisay City Jail.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña has offered a reward of P1 million for information that would lead to the arrest of the mastermind.