Our prayer as the Bohol Regional Ecumenical Council
Save me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.
Bring me out of prison, so that I am may give thanks to your name.
The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me. Psalms 147:6b-7
As ecumenical leaders, we stand in solidarity with Rev. Nathaniel “Dodo” Vallente, administrative pastor of UCCP Tubnaw, Basyaw and President Garcia.. We pray for the immediate dismissal of charges against him and appeal for his urgent release from detention.
Rev. Vallente is a respected minister of our island is facing false charges using planted evidence. In the early morning at 2am on June 25, 2019 about 70 police and military came to the house of Rev. Vallente’s father-in-law in Barangay San Jose, Mabini, Bohol. Likely thinking that it was Rev. Vallente’s home they forced their way inside. After they had entered the home and began their “search” of the premises, they asked where Rev. Vallente was. When they learned that Rev. Vallente’s house was nearby, they brought him to the first house and arrested for illegal possession of firearms and explosive they claimed to have obtained in his father-in-law’s home. Rev. Vallente and his family adamantly assert that found contraband was brought to the house and planted by those who served the search warrant.
The plain truth is that the contraband was not even in Rev. Vallente’s house. The search team searched the WRONG house but still managed to find firearms and explosives in this WRONG house. It is only logical to question that such evidence was found rather than planted. It is only logical to doubt the truthfulness of the search team.
We stand with Rev. Vallente because we have seen his good works and joined with him in the ministries of the Church. He is compassionate and caring. His leadership in his local church, ecumenically, and among farmers are expressions of his commitment as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Vallente’s calling to mission with farmers brings him into partnership with many. He has worked with local government units and the Department of Agriculture to help the farmers improve their productivity and income. He also has worked with Church people throughout Bohol.. As the adviser of the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Mabini-Hugpong Mag-uumang Bolanon, a farmer’s organization registered with the Department of Labor and Employment and accredited by the local government unit, Rev. Vallente’s prophetic ministry seeks to serve to the farmers of the community.
Perhaps, Rev. Vallente earned the ire of landgrabbers, militarists, or the political elite; this seems to be why he has been subjected to detention using planted evidence and false charges. Undoubtedly, In helping the farmers to organize themselves towards collective cooperation that leads to development and ‘fullness of life’, Rev. Vallente has done no wrong.
God calls us to announce Good News to the poor! We stand with Rev. Vallente in his ministry! We denounce these false charges and pray for his swift release from detention. Drop the false charges against Rev. Nathaniel Vallente immediately!
Signed:
REV. DR. LOPE B. ROBIN
Conference Minister
UCCP-Bohol Conference Inc.
RT. REV’D. ROMEO G. TAGUD
Assisting Bishop
Iglesia Filipina Independiente
MOST REV. JUAN NOMER FC SUMALA D.D., OMHS
BISHOP
Apostolic Catholic Church
REV. ARMAN GOLOSINO
UCCP Minister
Chairperson, BREC
PASTOR JAPHET T. ESTORQUE
UCCP Minister
REV. FR. BRANDON FACTORES
IFI Clergy, Diocese of Bohol
PASTOR MAHALALEEL A. PADUA
UCCP
