Church condemns murder of ‘red-tagged’ doctor, husband

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – The Diocese of Bacolod condemned the killing of Dr. Mary Rose Sancelan, city health officer of Guihulngan in Negros Oriental; and her husband Edwin, a local government employee.

In a statement, Bishop Patricio Buzon said the Diocese of Bacolod believes that the killing of a health worker at a time of great difficulty due to the pandemic is one deplorable act worthy of no less than a public condemnation.

The couple was shot dead by unidentified assailants on their way home at Barangay Poblacion, Guihulngan City on Dec 15.

Karapatan Negros Island earlier said that Dr. Sancelan was reportedly listed as No. 1 in the so called “hitlist” of KAGUBAK, an anti-communist vigilante group in the province.

She was also tagged as an alleged spokesperson of the Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) in central Negros, according to the group.

Buzon said that the Diocese of Bacolod reiterates its stand for life and the welfare of the people. It also upholds the well-being especially of those who are bringing basic services to the communities in dire need, like our health workers.

Buzon said that Dr. Sancelan was said to be a “courageous and dedicated frontliner,” who was instrumental in placing under control the previous spike of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the city in November.

The Diocese denounced all forms of extrajudicial killings, decried indiscriminate “red-tagging,” and deplored the apparent impunity among the perpetrators and enablers of the escalating violence not just in Guihulngan City, but also in other parts of Negros island.

Buzon said they pray for an end to this violence and urged concerned local authorities and agencies of government to investigate and act speedily on the resolution of the case.