Priest shot dead in Cebu, robbery hold-up eyed

( A repost from CBCPNews)

MANILA, July 7, 2009—Cebu Archbishop Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal called on the Cebuano faithful not only to pray but do acts of reparation for the desecration of a priest, Fr. Jovencio Rabusa, 46 years old, who was shot dead by two still unidentified persons last night.

Msgr. Achilles Dakay, spokesman of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cebu, said Fr. Rabusa was on his way to his sister’s house on South Coastal Property road in Cansolong, Talisay City when two persons accosted him at about 8:00 P.M. Monday.

Interviewed by CBCPNews, Msgr. Dakay said the culprits took the victim’s two cellphones but left his wallet behind.

He said the victim was walking to his sister’s house when the hold-up took place.

Quoting a young witness, Msgr. Dakay said one of the armed men put his arm around the victim and shot him.

Earlier reports said the victim had gunshot wounds in his arm, nape and buttocks.

It was learned Fr. Rabusa expired a few minutes after being rushed to Talisay District Hospital for emergency treatment.

“We already informed Cardinal Vidal who is presently in Manila and he strongly condemned the criminal act,” Msgr. Dakay said.

He added the victim was a priest for the past 20 years and has served as assistant parish priest in Bantayan and Guadalupe and later as parish priest in Buanoy and Santander before he became part of the Team Ministry based in Naga, Cebu.

Msgr. Dakay said they still have to receive official report from the local police unit. (Melo M. Acuna)