A Catholic archbishop condemned the killing of a whistleblower who exposed alleged irregularities in the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Northern Mindanao.
Archbishop Jose Cabantan of Cagayan de Oro described the death of Niruh Kyle Antatico as a “brutal killing” that “has darkened our community,” and extended his condolences to the victim’s family.
He urged authorities to ensure accountability and deliver “swift and rightful justice” for Antatico’s killing.
“May his life awaken in us a renewed commitment to walk in the light of truth and serve the common good,” Cabantan said.
Antatico, 40, a former legal researcher of NIA Northern Mindanao, was shot dead by still unidentified assailants in Cagayan de Oro City on Oct. 10.
He had reportedly assisted local farmers in filing complaints over alleged substandard and incomplete irrigation projects under the agency.
Cabantan described Antatico as “a courageous advocate for truth, justice, and integrity.”
“Niruh has been a good foreteller of truth in our time, a brave young man who spoke with conviction amid the recurring issues of graft and corruption that continue to wound our nation,” the archbishop said.
He added that Antatico’s death underscores the grave risks faced by those who stand for truth, saying “the price of standing for truth… can be tragically high.”
“Even in his death, Niruh’s courage reveals the light of conscience still alive in our midst, a light that challenges us not to grow numb to injustice nor...
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