Seven Filipinos – including a priest tortured and slain by the Abu Sayyaf and four worshippers killed in the 2023 Marawi bombing – have been recognized by the Catholic Church as the country’s ‘new martyrs’ of the 21st century for their unwavering faith and sacrifices.
A special commemoration for these new martyrs will be held on Nov. 9, the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica.
Among those to be honored is Fr. Rhoel Gallardo of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan who, along with several teachers and students of the Claret School of Tumahubong, was kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf extremists, held captive for 44 days and killed on May 3, 2000.
From the Prelature of Marawi, the names of Junrey Taub Barbante, Janine Orcia Arenas, Evangeline Salces Aromin and Riza Ramos Daniel were also submitted. They were killed when an improvised explosive device planted by extremists detonated during mass at the Mindanao State University main campus in Marawi City on Dec. 3, 2023.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija, nominated Fr. Marcelito Paez for his strong advocacy for social justice, human rights and the welfare of farmers. He was ambushed and killed by motorcycle-riding assailants on Dec. 4, 2017, shortly after helping secure the release of political prisoners.
The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro identified Alberto Pinagawa, a eucharistic minister and lay leader who campaigned against illegal logging and mining in Gingoog City and Claveria, and championed the rights of Lumad indigenous peoples. He was shot dead on Dec. 24, 2009.
‘Starting this Jubilee 2025, particular churches will remember and honor these figures of holiness every year on Nov. 9, the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica,’ the Archdiocese of Manila announced.