ASIA/PHILIPPINES – Catholic teacher killed: local church community demands truth and justice

Laur – The Catholic community of the Diocese of Cabanatuan in the province of Nueva Ecija in central Luzon is demanding “justice and truth” following the murder of Mark Christian Malaca, a teacher at a Catholic school, St. Stephen Academy in the town of Laur. The 39-year-old Malaca was shot dead on November 4 by unknown assailants in the village of San Juan, where he lived. According to initial investigations, the killers, who wore black jackets, helmets, and face masks, approached the victim and shot him multiple times. Police are currently investigating the possible motive for the murder of someone known for his faith and commitment to education.
Meanwhile, in a public statement, the Bishop of Cabanatuan, Prudencio Andaya, called on the authorities to “conduct a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation to identify those responsible” and demanded that “justice and truth prevail.”
The death of the teacher, who was also active in the local church community, has caused “deep sorrow” and is “a profound wound for his family, the academic community, and the local church,” the statement reads. “His death is not only a loss for his family, but also for the moral fabric of our society,” the bishop continued. “May the pursuit of justice be guided by peace, compassion, and faith in the Lord, who said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’ We entrust the pursuit of justice to the God of mercy, who alone can heal hearts and restore peace to our wounded society.”
St. Stephen Academy, where Malaca taught, also released a statement calling for “justice.” “This was not only an attack on a person, but also on the dignity of the teaching profession and the spirit of education itself,” the statement reads. Every citizen is called upon to “resolutely defend justice and promote peace and respect for every teacher who faithfully fulfills their mission.” “The memory of Malaca will remain a light and an inspiration in our ongoing struggle for truth and good,” the statement concludes. Agenzia Fides, 10/11/2021)

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