9th Death Anniversary of Fr. Fausto Tentorio; a Day of Joy and Tears
Time flies fast and now we celebrate the 9th death anniversary of Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME, yet the hunger for truth and justice prevails!
During the Covid 19 pandemic, the people of Arakan gathered in the construction site of the unfinished parish church. The indigenous peoples with their colorful costume, the farmers, professionals, civil society organization’s leaders, government employees, officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, lawyers, environmentalists, children, colleagues from the parish, priests and former scholars and now professionals supported by Fr. Fausto and the PIME Fathers; gathered happily, in nostalgia and sometimes shaken by emotion of Pops’ memories and commemorated the death of a martyr.
As remembered, Fr. Fausto “Pops” Tentorio, an Italian missionary priest of the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions (PIME), assigned in Arakan Valley was killed by an assassin’s bullets on a momentous Monday morning of October 17, 2011 as nearby schoolchildren sung the “Bayang Magiliw.” He was boarding his car in the parish compound to join his confrères at the clergy meeting of the Diocese of Kidapawan when an assassin surreptitiously approached and poured bullets on his body terminating his life.
Pops was assigned in Arakan Valley after the death of his companion, Fr. Tullio Favali, PIME, in Tulunan, Cotabato in April 11, 1985. Faithful to the Church’s mission “to foster Basic Ecclesial Communities” (PCP II 137), he worked in building Basic Ecclesial Communities and Basic Indigenous Communities in the Diocese of Kidapawan.
Ms Ria P. Gayatin, the chairman of the Fr. Fausto Tentorio Memorial School shared emotionally the good memories of Fr. Fausto. She said, “As we shared his memory, we could not help but be saddened for he had left happy legacies. But why was he killed or ordered to be killed? His advocacies would be our inspiration to work for the truth and justice. The indigenous peoples had a special place on his heart. He also worked for environment. The ecology would exist without people but the people cannot exist without ecology. But because of greediness of man, we are destroying our environment. We should protect the environment! As we live the memory of Pops, let us protect the environment. I should say, enough is enough of the killings. To us, those that have live with him, let that be an inspiration.”
Aside from his pastoral works, he helped organize environmentalists, farmers and Lumad communities for unity and reconciliation.
The Mt. Sinaka story:
Mt. Sinaka is the remaining forest strips in Arakan Valley. Aside from being the habitat of the Philippine eagle and other wildlife, to the local population, Mt. Sinaka is the primary source of drinking water as well as the most sacred ground for the Manobo.
According to Leonardo Reovoca now the municipal administrator, who joined Fr. Fausto Tentorio right after graduation from college, the leaders of indigenous peoples consulted Pops of the forest incursion in Mt. Sinaka by the Robillo- owned Maguindanao Timber Logging Company and the Manobo inhabiting the area planned to burn the company’s equipment. Fr. Fausto opposed the plan which was detrimental to the security of the Manobo of being criminally charge by the logging company. Instead, a multi-stakeholder’s mobilization was decided. With the primary aim of protecting Mt. Sinaka, a study group for ecology was formed, local government officials such as Barangay Captain Nabua of Sto. Nino, who hosted the community awareness raising and learning session, coordination with David Figura and Aproniano Ebon, the municipal councilor and vice mayor of Magpet respectively, reaching out to security forces such as the Special Forces Airborne of the Philippine Army and the PNP assigned in Arakan, gaining the support from the academe and church leaders. Finally, the Task Force Mt. Sinaka was organized.
The advocacy to protect Mt. Sinaka expanded towards the province and on the national leaders. Petition letters opposing the operation of logging company signed by local stakeholders was hand carried by Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos, DD, the Bishop of Kidapawan to the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Office in Quezon City. Gregorio Andolana, the Congressman of Cotabato amplified the issue at Halls of Congress of the Philippines. Letters were sent to Rosario Diaz, the governor of the province of Cotabato. Thus, a widespread information on the threat to Mt. Sinaka was disseminated locally and nationally.
On April 24, 1991, Task Force Mt. Sinaka together with Fr. Fausto went for ocular inspection at the logging site. Massive equipment was seen hauling huge bleeding logs and the people realized the threat to their future was real. It was not planned, but upon assessing the situation, duty-bound the task force immediately installed a barricade and stayed in the forest for weeks. With the help of the PNP and Special Forces of the Philippine Army, chainsaws and equipment were confiscated and were reported to vice governor Bing Tuburan. Other tools and equipment were seized as evidence of illegal logging. As supports poured in and the vow to stop the logging activity from the local government, the barricade ended on May 18, 1991 putting a halt to the logging operation of Magindanao Timber and Logging Company in Arakan.
As a result, protective measures were crafted and the Task Force Mt. Sinaka endorsed the declaration of Mt. Sinaka, Kabalantian-Binoongan-Kulaman (KABIKU) and Mt. Kimamulig forest strips as protected area and wildlife sanctuary by the virtue of Ordinance No. 3 issued by the government of Arakan, a breakthrough legislation that hindered Kumakata Mining’s application of 11, 608 hectares mining concession and other attempts of mining companies. The legislation prohibited destruction of the forest in Mt. Sinaka, the primary source of continuous supply of water for Arakan Valley.
Fr. Fausto Tentorio had supported the community’s struggle to protect Arakan Valley’s water source. “As we drink water from the faucet, let us remember Fr. Fausto and the struggle he supported”, Reovoca said. “What we have now, what environmental benefits we enjoy, we owe that to the people who were once vigilant on protecting Mt. Sinaka”, he added. “If not for the company of Fr. Fausto, we will not enjoy what we have now”, said Hernanie Paccial, Task Force Mt. Sinaka chairman. Fr. Fausto helped raise the consciousness of Arakan to protect and develop the environment that we now have.
Life with the Tribal Communities:
Bernadette Gubal was young then when she met Fr. Fausto Tentorio. But she can remember profoundly the memories of Tatay Pops. He had been empathetic with the tribesmen considering their inadequacy in education and the remoteness of their communities to the town centers where government’s basic services were never felt. But Fr. Fausto tried to reach them, assessing the situation of the community, the children and in consultation with the tribal leaders established water system to respond to the necessity of proper hygiene and sanitation, improving the use of herbs as medicine for minor health problems, trained the communities on sustainable agricultural technology with corresponding community demonstration farms and most of all, built schools and daycare centers right in the middle of their village! The problem of crossing two rivers before reaching the school that discouraged the children to continue schooling, Fr. Fausto provided the solution. The tribal communities that Fr. Fausto had touched were very grateful for the assistance that he had done in uplifting the life of the community.
In as much as they are grateful for the work of Tatay Pops, Bernadette said, “The tribal leaders could not attend the celebration because of threats to their security. She further lamented, that they are slowly losing hope after the death of Pops. Would there be another Pops that would help them? Even with the government assistance, they are still in dire situation. She invoked to continue what Pops had started.
Fr. Fausto and the Governor:
Raquel Barlas, a political aide of Governor Nancy A Catamco conveyed her solidarity on the occasion of the death anniversary of Fr. Fausto. Barlas said, Governor knew Fr. Fausto personally and many tribals in Arakan voted for her, and she likes to continue the advocacies of Fr. Fausto. The governor supported the establishment of schools by Fausto and assisted to its recognition from the Department of Education. She joined the group calling for justice to the killing of Pops.
Solidarity from the Diocese of Kidapawan:
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, DD of Diocese of Kidapawan extended his solidarity to the celebration invoking for truth and justice for Fr. Fausto Tentorio. He said, “As we believe in Jesus when He said, ‘The truth will set us free!’” the people must know the truth. He recognized years of mission made by Fr. Fausto in helping the people of the Diocese and he urged to “pray for justice as we live in peace and harmony.”
Case Updates:
In behalf of Cotabato Provincial Director, Henry Villar, Police Chief Gaspar Maguiwe presented the police operation after receiving the warrant of arrest for the suspects. He said, the PNP must follow the order of the court.
On September 13, 2020, a team of PNP from Arakan was sent to Baguio District, Davao City because of the information that one of the suspects was seen in that vicinity. They coordinated with Davao City Police Station11, but they failed to locate the suspect in Barangay Tawantawan.
Another operation was launched, but according to Barangay Captain named Geran, there was no person of such name residing in the said place.
Upon receiving an information again that the one of the suspects was hospitalized, another operation was done with the assistance from Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG Reg. 11), but the hospital informed them that he was already been released from the hospital.
The PNP Municipal Station in Arakan assured the people that they are doing their best to respond to the court order but they also need help from the communities. They badly needed information sharing to facilitate the arrest of the suspects. They maintained their talking relationship with the lawyers and Fr. Peter Geremia about the case.
On the other hand, PNP Arakan too partnered with Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in implementing forestry laws in line with the advocacy of Fr. Fausto.
“The death of Fr. Pops, history of Arakan!”
On the other hand, Atty. Gregorio Andolana, the private prosecution lawyer on the case, shared his collaboration with Fr. Fausto Tentorio. He started by saying, “the death of Fr. Pops, history of Arakan. Arakan and death of Pops, history of Greg Andolana.”
Andolana was very acquainted with Arakan since he was recruited as a teacher in 1972 in a state college. The desire of Fr. Fausto had been supported by many Arakenos. The goal of Pops was the guide for the community’s deliverance. He was part of the history of Arakan. He recalled that during the time when he was still the congressman of Cotabato and Pops frequented his office, recommendation of building bridges in order to open the place for development and convenient mobility of people and farm products. He was anti-mining advocate. He dreamt of the municipality of Arakan where indigenous peoples and migrant settlers live peacefully. Pops gave a lesson for the enactment of the hallmark legislation, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act in October 29, 1997 that paved way to the release of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) in which the Federation of Matigsalug-Manobo Tribal Councils, Inc. (Femmatrics) was first title issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for 120,000 hectares covering part of Davao City, Bukidnon and Arakan, Cotabato. He had encouraged Andolana to build schools in remote areas of Arakan where tribal communities were located.
“But he was shot. The cross was heavy. If a person from Italy dreamed of peace and justice in Arakan, how much more for us,” he added. Fr. Fausto was an inspiration for all, to work for reconciliation of the tri-people rectifying historical injustices,” he quipped. “He was a sacrificial lamb for us. We strived for justice including those who worked with him, are now victims of intrigues not sparing even the tribal leaders.”
The case on the killing of Fr. Fausto was lodged in the Regional Trial Court in Kidapawan City. There were three levels of participation on the crime. First, the principal by inducement consist of the person or persons who masterminded the crime, provided the gun, motorbike and the money. Secondly, the principal by direct participation that refers to the one who pulled the trigger. Finally, the principal by indispensable participation such as the look outs and driver of the escape motorbikes. On Pops case, the court issued the warrants of arrest for principal by indispensable participation and principal by direct participation. This means the principal by inducement was not yet known.
The court had released the warrants of arrest in April 2019. The police reportedly hunted the suspects. The prosecution lawyers coordinated with the Provincial Director of PNP and the Chief of Police of Arakan in order to ferret out the suspects.
Fr. Fausto was a part of what Arakan is now. Thus, the dream for justice continues. Justice and equality for all Arakaneos.!
Day of joy and tears:
For Fr. Peter Geremia, the 9th death anniversary celebration was a day of joy and tears. Joy of seeing each other even partially due to pandemic. Many more should have appeared. Tears on the other hand, because of remembering Pops. The case on the killing had dragged so long due. At first, we were given the assurance that the investigation would be quick because it happened in a broad daylight and with the witnesses. But the court processes are not over yet.
Impunity, some people are accustomed to impunity. The killers believed that they could not be punished. Good lawyers and many officers had followed up the resolution of the case as many people watched not just because of Pops but also for all victims such as killing of tribal leaders and land grabbing of ancestral lands. During the 70s, nobody worked for the problems of the tribes even the Church then. Now when someone helps the indigenous peoples on the resolution of their problems, they also become the target of people used to impunity.
During his homily in a mass concelebrated with the parish priest of Arakan, he smilingly confided that he had been very tired seeking justice for Pops. But through rest, the body would be reenergized. He likened the Song of Mary in the gospel as the Song of Pops! The joys in Magnificat to the guiding mission of Pops; “He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Fr. Fausto had offered his life in service to the people he encountered in Zamboanga, to the tri-people of Columbio, and after the killing of Fr. Tullio Favali, PIME in Tulunan to the people in Arakan Valley.
Fr. Peter further said, “That in behalf of the family of Pops, the PIME, Diocese of Kidapawan and numerous people of Arakan waiting for justice for Pops, we hope and pray that the system of impunity be gradually eradicated towards reconciliation and peace.
Call for Unity and Reconciliation:
Fr. Alfredo P. Palomar, DCK calls for unity and reconciliation in Arakan. Fr. Fausto had offered his life and justice may have not attained but life must move on just as when Jesus was killed, the apostles continued.
Death is larger than life. The life of Fr. Fausto unfolded after he died. The blood of martyrs nurtured more workers for the church. As the Church in Arakan is a wounded community but pray for healing to come slowly. In healing and the acceptance of woundedness comes the grace of God. Reconciliation comes from God. We must be reconciled with God first, reconciled with each other and with the Creation. Working for justice maybe frustrating but we trust that justice will come as a gift from God. God has His own time to judge.
May reconciliation be the new normal!
Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME was shot on that ill-fated Monday morning of October 17, 2011, nine years ago. News of the shooting shocked the community, the Church and reverberated to the families in Italy. The muted gunshots killed a shepherd and gave birth to a Church’s martyr.
The occasion of celebrating the 9th year death anniversary was the time for reminiscing his memories to people he served, the joy of unity and reconciliation and the hope of truth and justice.
Prepared By: Mr. Reynaldo Saligan And Mrs. Emelyn H. Villanueva