Zambo bishop backs Manero release

Sinners deserve a chance to reform and be forgiven after repentance.

Citing this Christian principle, a senior Catholic prelate yesterday expressed support to the reported pending release of Norberto Manero Jr., the convicted killer of Italian priest Tulio Favali.

Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo Valles said in a statement that the sadness caused by Manero in killing Favali 23 years ago – although still felt among the clergy – “must not block the road to forgiveness.”

“He (Manero) already paid a high price, and it is right that he should be given the chance to show that he has changed,” the archbishop stressed.

Fr. Peter Geremia of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Mission (PIME), the group represented by Favali when he was killed, supported the belief of Valles.

He said the PIME sees no reason to oppose the expected release of Manero. “We are agreeing because the witnesses, bishops and clergy were consulted regarding his release.

“I was told Manero even agreed to coordinate with us to promote the peace process,” added the 70-year-old missionary.

Favali was killed in 1985 near the village of La Esperanza in Tulunan, North Cotabato by a group led by Manero, who accused the missionary of being a communist supporter.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has earlier said it was reviewing documents for Manero’s release, including the 1999 pardon granted by then President Joseph Estrada, and a letter from Mindanao priests favoring the killer’s freedom.