The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has recognized seven Filipinos who gave their lives for their faith as “new martyrs” of the 21st century.
CBCP Secretary General Msgr. Bernardo Pantin said the names were submitted to the Commission of the New Martyrs-Witnesses of the Faith in Rome.
“These individuals shed their blood between the year 2000 and the present because of violent opposition to the good brought by the Gospel,” Pantin said in a letter to bishops and archdioceses nationwide.
Among those named was Alberto Pinagawa, a lay leader and Eucharistic minister from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. He was shot dead on Dec. 24, 2009, for opposing illegal logging and mining in Gingoog City and Claveria and for defending Lumad communities.
From the Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija, Fr. Marcelito Paez was killed on Dec. 4, 2017, after helping secure the release of political prisoners. He was ambushed by motorcycle-riding assailants while on his way home.
The Prelature of Marawi identified Junrey Taub Barbante, Janine Orcia Arenas, Evangeline Salces Aromin, and Riza Ramos Daniel as martyrs. They were among the victims of the Dec. 3, 2023 bombing at Mindanao State University during a Holy Mass.
The CBCP also recognized Fr. Rhoel Gallardo of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan, who was abducted and killed by Abu Sayyaf on May 3, 2000, after being held captive and tortured for 44 days.
CBCP-Office for the Postulation of the Causes of Saints Chairman Bishop Renato Mayugba said they will be remembered on Nov. 9, following Pope Francis’ call to honor “saints next door.”
“In sharing this vision of the great and holy pope, we may become truly more saintly people,” Bishop Mayugba said.
“May we aspire for sainthood… May we find joy in our membership in the community of saints,” he added.