Cardinal Rosales Pays Tribute to Slain Anti-logging Advocate

MANILA, Oct. 18, 2010-Manila Archbishop Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales paid tribute to one of his parish priests in the Diocese of Malaybalay who was fatally ambushed by men believed to have been hired by illegal loggers 19 years ago.

The 78-year old prelate recalled Fr. Nery Lito Satur as a strong and credible advocate against illegal logging.

Satur then was 29 years old and one of Malaybalay's youngest priests. Media accounts revealed the priest's head was smashed with a rifle butt and later shot pointblank with a shotgun.

"The incident took place at about 12:30 p.m. 19 years ago," the prelate said as he underscored the need to protect the environment for the benefit of the succeeding generations.

Rosales has always fought for environmental protection. The subject has always been part of his homilies and lectures before the religious and academic communities.

He said natural calamities such as flooding and landslides could have been avoided had the forests remain as they should be. Trees prevent soil erosion and flash floods, he explained.

Asked if Fr. Satur's death nearly two decades ago brought significant lessons to Malaybalay's Catholic faithful, Cardinal Rosales said more and more people became aware of the destructive effects of logging in the diocese.

"Then Environment Secretary (Fulgencio) Factoran, Jr. came to Malaybalay and supported us in our campaign against illegal logging," the Archbishop said.

Cardinal Rosales was auxiliary bishop of Manila when he was appointed coadjutor bishop of Malaybalay in June 9, 1982 at age 49. He became bishop of Malaybalay at 52 years old and after eight years was named Archbishop of Lipa in Batangas Province. He became Archbishop of Manila in September 15, 2003 succeeding Jaime L. Cardinal Sin who retired at age 75. (Melo M. Acuna)