Manila: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has identified seven individuals, who have sacrificed their lives for the witness of Christ within the 21st century, as ‘new martyrs’. CBCP Secretary General Msgr. Bernardo Pantin stated that these individuals, from an archdiocese, a diocese, and two prelatures, have been submitted to the Commission of the New Martyrs-Witnesses of the Faith in Rome.
According to Philippines News Agency, Msgr. Pantin emphasized in a letter to all bishops and archdioceses in the country that these individuals “shed their blood between the year 2000 and the present because of violent opposition to the good brought by the Gospel.” Among the named martyrs is Alberto Pinagawa from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, who was a dedicated Eucharistic minister and lay leader. He was tragically gunned down on December 24, 2009, after his staunch advocacy against illegal logging and mining, as well as his efforts to protect the Lumad indigenous peoples’ forests.
From the Diocese of San Jose in Nueva Ecija, Fr. Marcelito Paez, known for his social justice and human rights advocacy, was fatally shot on December 4, 2017, by assailants while driving home. He had just assisted in the release of political prisoners from the Nueva Ecija Provincial Jail.
The Prelature of Marawi has also named Junrey Taub Barbante, Janine Orcia Arenas, Evangeline Salces Aromin, and Riza Ramos Daniel as martyrs. They lost their lives on December 3, 2023, due to an explosion during a Holy Mass at the Mindanao State University campus in Marawi City.
Fr. Rhoel Gallardo from the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan was identified as a martyr as well. He was abducted, tortured, and eventually killed by Abu Sayyaf extremists after being held captive for 44 days in 2000.
In November 2024, Pope Francis called on churches to honor their “saints next door,” recognizing those with exemplary Christian witnessing. In alignment with this call, Bishop Renato Mayugba, Chairman of the CBCP-Office for the Postulation of the Causes of Saints, announced that these martyrs will be remembered and honored on November 9.
Bishop Mayugba expressed hope that through sharing the vision of the late Pope, the community may become more saintly and find joy in their membership in the community of saints.
