Philippine Bishop: Seek Justice, Not Revenge, for Slain Pastoral Coordinator

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan has condemned the killing of Eduardo Balindres in a recent statement, a pastoral coordinator of a parish in Matalam, North Cotabato, southern Philippines, and urged the community to seek justice without resorting to revenge.

In a pastoral statement issued September 3, Bishop Bagaforo said the Church cannot remain silent over an unjust killing, emphasizing that human life is sacred and that every person has an inherent dignity that must be protected.

“Do not kill,” Bishop Bagaforo said, invoking the Fifth Commandment in Exodus 20:13.

The bishop said killing is not simply a loss of life but a violation of the dignity of a person created in the image and likeness of God. He also acknowledged the pain suffered by the victim’s family, friends and community.

Balindres had himself been involved in efforts to promote peace among communities divided by violence.

In January 2017, Balindres represented the Christian community in New Abra, Matalam, when Christian, Muslim and Lumad leaders signed a peace covenant to end more than a decade of conflict over a land dispute. At least seven people had been killed in clashes before the agreement. Balindres and the other leaders pledged to resolve future disputes peacefully.

The peace covenant was symbolized by the planting of three narra trees. “The Narra tree symbolizes our commitment to sustain peace in our community,” Balindres said at the time.

Against that background, Bishop Bagaforo's appeal for justice without retaliation takes on added significance.

“Killing cannot be justified as an act of revenge,” the bishop said, urging the faithful not to allow anger, personal interests or the desire for retaliation to determine their response to the killing.

Bishop Bagaforo said those responsible must be held accountable through due process.

“Those responsible for the killing must answer through the proper process of law and justice,” he said.

Balindres was shot by unidentified gunmen on Monday, August 31, while he was reportedly on his way home in Sitio Esrael, Barangay New Abra, Matalam, Cotabato. The report says the attackers ambushed him and fired at him before fleeing. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died in the attack.

The bishop ended by urging the community to protect both life and human dignity, even amid grief and anger.

“Let us condemn killing. Let us protect life. Let us protect the dignity of every person.”