Priest Shot Dead in Holdup

First Posted 12:26:00 07/07/2009
Original Article
By Jhunnex NapallacanInquirer Visayas

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 46-year-old priest in Cebu was shot dead by three robbers on Monday night, while he was on his way to his sister’s house on South Coastal Road, Cansojong, Talisay City.

Superintendent Henry Biñas, chief of the Talisay City Police Station, said Rev. Fr. Jovencio Rabusa died a few minutes after he was rushed to the Talisay City District Hospital.

Rabusa sustained gunshot wounds in the nape, buttocks, and arm.

Initial investigation showed that robbery could be the motive of three men, who reportedly took the priest’s two cellular phones, at 8 p.m. Monday, Biñas said.

A young man, who accompanied the priest at the time, ran away and asked for assistance in a nearby gasoline station.

Binas said the priest’s companion told the police that three men accosted the priest and ordered him to turn over his valuables.

Biñas said the priest tried to fight off the robbers. His wallet and wristwatch were not taken.

Monsignor Achilles Dakay, the Cebu Archdiocese media liaison officer, and Msgr. Esteban Binghay condemned the killing and called for swift police action to arrest the killers.

Rabusa served as a member of the team ministry in Naga and once served as parish priest in Santander town.

In 2006, several altar boys accused Rabusa of hitting them.

Binghay said the issue has been resolved and Rabusa even underwent an anger management seminar.

His body now lies at the Spiritual Pastoral Formation Year (SPFY) building inside the compound of Archdiocese of Cebu in Cebu City.