The Catholic parish priest in Dauin, Negros Oriental yesterday led the call for people to remain vigilant and pray unceasingly for peace in the town where a string of killings took place in less than a month’s time.
Msgr. Julius Perpetuo Heruela sounded the call, joined by Mayor Galicano Truita, police chief Capt. Louie Batoto, representatives from the Department of Education, and barangay officials, during a procession of the Blessed Sacrament around the town’s major thoroughfares.
“We celebrated the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) Sunday by bringing the Blessed Sacrament in a procession so people in Dauin can receive blessings from God,” Heruela said.
He said it was also relevant to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi by offering a special intention and prayers for Dauin, noting that the killings have brought fear to the residents of the town that used to be peaceful and quiet.
Dauin is a popular tourism hub and diving destination in Negros Oriental.
“Three people were shot dead, to include two elected barangay officials and a suspected drug personality within 28 days and that is something to be concerned about,” Heruela said.
The procession, with the priest carrying the Blessed Sacrament and with only 10 people allowed to join due to physical distancing rules, made stopovers at the municipal hall, the police station, the DepEd’s central elementary school, and a barangay hall, among others, for benediction and adoration.
Special prayers, known as Oratio Imperata, as ordered by Bishop Julito Cortes for an end to the killings in Negros Oriental and the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, were also conducted.
Heruela called on Dauin residents to pray, be vigilant, and remain watchful of their surroundings and to not let fear overcome them, rather, to put their trust in God for protection and safety.*PNA
