Human Rights Online Philippines

Bishop Alminaza statement on the murdered human rights lawyer, Rex Fernandez

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13

On behalf of the Visayas Clergy Discernment Group (VCDG), a 2008 CBCP initiative to address social concerns, I express our grief over the senseless murder of human rights lawyer Rex Fernandez. He was killed last August 26, 2021 in Cebu City.

Lawyer Rex Fernandez, a former Redemptorist seminarian, had a heart for the people and had touched so many lives.

Since 2010, Atty. Rex Fernandez had actively supported the bishops and clergy of the VCDG and the Archdiocese of Cebu Discernment Group in people’s issues, such as labor rights, urban poor welfare, environment protection and good governance.

When the clergy, religious, and lay people in the Visayas, especially in the Archdiocese of Cebu needed legal assistance, he readily offered his time and expertise.

He was a key convenor of the Archdiocese of Cebu-initiated Coalition Against the Pork Barrel System (2014) and the National People’s Initiative to Abolish the Pork Barrel (2015).

We join the call for a speedy investigation of his murder.

We pray that Atty. Rex did not die in vain. In fact, his sacrifice should lead us to a conversion of heart and mind to that of Jesus’. In effect, we can courageously and consistently pursue efforts to address the roots of sinful social structures and evil practices.

Atty. Rex, you will surely receive the reward promised by God to His servants, who like Him, laid down his life for His people.

+Most Rev. Gerardo A. Alminaza, DD (SGD.)

Bishop of San Carlos

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