Mayor calls for ouster of 2 priests in Negros Occidental

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Mayor Andrew Montelibano of Murcia town, Negros Occidental, had called for the ouster of two parish priests in his town for their campaign against illegal drugs and gambling.

Montelibano said that he, along with the barangay leaders, will file a petition for the ouster of Father Greg Patiño and Father Agustin Hinayan in their town.

The mayor said that he already met with the 23 barangay leaders and they had assured him they will sign the petition to oust the two priests.

Montelibano said it was not right for the two priests to condemn the town officials and the police on the issue of illegal drugs and gambling during every mass and even during the mass for dead.

He said that the towns people were irked and were discouraged to go to church after the priests continue to sermon about illegal gambling and drugs during the mass.

He said that he is planning to submit the petition to Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Vatican City. (FREEMAN)