Tuguegarao archbishop: Don't muddle Fr. Ventura case with ‘unfounded rumors’

MANILA, Philippines — The investigation into the killing of Fr. Mark Anthony Ventura should not be muddled by “unfounded rumors and malicious insinuations,” the archbishop of Tuguegarao said.

In a statement Monday, Archbishop Sergio Utleg assured the public that the Philippine National Police is investigating the murder of Ventura, who was gunned down late April after celebrating mass at a basketball court in Gatarran, Cagayan.

“Obviously, he had enemies. We do not know who they are or why they had to kill him,” he said.

According to earlier reports, Ventura was known as being opposed to mining in Cagayan province and was an advocate for indigenous people's rights.

Utleg added: “We do not want to speculate on what the reasons are for his death. Neither do we want that the investigation be muddled by spreading of unfounded rumors and malicious insinuations.”

Duterte's 'matrix'

The Tuguegarao archbishop made this statement following President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement that Ventura could have been involved in illicit affairs.

In a speech over the weekend, Duterte said that the priest might have been killed because of his supposed affairs with the wives of a politician, a police officer, a military man and a businessman.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday confirmed that the chief executive was referring to Ventura.

The president has,in 2016, repeatedly referred to a supposed matrix of drug personalities. The list later turned out to be erroneous.

Senior Supt. Warren Tolito, Cagayan police director, said the investigators will look into the private affairs of the 37-year-old priest.

“We trust that the PNP is faithfully doing their job. We wish them success to come out with solid evidence to apprehend the killers and determine the mastermind. We hope and pray that the real truth will come out so that justice for Fr. Mark will finally be served,” Utleg said.

READ: Illicit affairs eyed in Fr. Mark Anthony Ventura’s murder

'Loved by everyone'

The Church lost a “dedicated priest” and a “zealous pastor” with the death of Ventura, Utleg stressed.

“He was beloved by all who knew him. He was an affectionate person, sympathetic, close and intimate to many people: rich and poor, men and women, young and old. We miss his ingectious smile and untiring zeal,” Utleg said.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines had earlier denounced the killing of Ventura, calling it an “evil act.”