Another Bishop Murdered in the Philippines

Bishop Alberto Ramento, former Supreme Bishop of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), murdered.

Bishop Alberto Ramento, former Supreme Bishop of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), murdered.Dear Friends,

We just learned that Bp. Alberto Ramento, former Supreme Bishop of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), died in his convent last night due to stab wounds. The initial report is that it is a case of robbery with homicide. However, the Ecumenical Bishops’ Forum of which Bp. Ramento was the co-chairperson, is calling for an immediate and thorough investigation because Bp. Ramento was a staunch peace and human rights advocate and has always mentioned that he has been receiving death threats in connection with his advocacy.

Bp. Ramento was also the chair of the Supreme Council of Bishops of the IFI as well as a convenor of the Pilgrims for Peace. He was also a very supportive of the striking workers of Hacienda Luisita. Some of the members of the WCC/CCA delegation met him last year when some of them went to Central Luzon to visit the Hacienda Luisita workers.

A fact-finding team is now on its way to Central Luzon to investigate.
We will send you some details concerning his death as soon as we can.

Please pray for Bp. Ramento and his family. He is a big loss to the ecumenical movement here in the Philippines.