Archdiocese tackles fate of priest who "shot" student

CEBU, Philippines - Heads of the Cebu Archdiocese finally discussed the fate of Fr. Jonathan Lao who allegedly shot a 19-year-old student last month in Danao City.

However, the Cebu clergy is yet to divulge details of their discussion until such time Lao can present his side. 

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma met with the Archdiocese’s board of consulters yesterday to discuss their action on Lao for shooting Mark Robert Ymbong to the chest.

Though Lao already settled with the family of Ymbong, Palma said that they still need to officially discuss on the incident, adding that he was really saddened by what happened.  

Lao was asked by the prelate to meet with him on Wednesday, but because it was the first day of the Lent season, Lao failed to meet with him.

The consulters, according to Palma, are giving Lao the chance to discuss with them his side of the story after Palma heard the parishioners’ side on the incident.  

Palma also clarified that whatever will be decided on the case will not be the sole decision of the archbishop, but the “decision of the board of consulters.”

The prelate also received feedback from the parishioners of Lao that they are already troubled over bad publicity from the media about the incident.

With the issues hounding Lao and other priests, Palma asked the faithful not judge the entire church through the fault of just a few.

He urged that Cebuanos “must not close” their “eyes to priests who are doing good for the church.”

Lao earlier has pleaded to shoulder all hospital bills and offered to support Ymbong’s education until he graduates in college.

Chaplain of the Colegio de San Antonio de Padua, Lao fired his air gun and hit the boy who was on a branch of the mango tree at noon of February 9.

Investigators found out that Lao’s gun is unlicensed but it was not necessary for it to be licensed.

The priest was later released from detention by Danao Police Station.

He then apologized to Ymbong who was just been discharged from Perpetual Succour Hospital which the boy also accepted. (FREEMAN)  

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