PHILIPPINES – Horror: Catholic priest shot dead while blessing children after Mass

Patheos | 042918

 Catholic priest known for his anti-mining advocacy was shot dead on Sunday after celebrating Mass in the northern Philippines, police said.

Father Mark Ventura was shot twice in a public gymnasium in the town of Gattaran in Cagayan province, 396 kilometres north of Manila, where the Mass was held.

Ventura, 37, was blessing children and chatting with choir members after the Mass when the suspect shot him from behind, Gattaran police chief Rodel Tabulog.

The shooter, who was wearing a helmet, fled on a motorcycle with another suspect, Tabulog said.

READ MORE