Anti-mining priest killed in road crash

TACLOBAN CITY — A Catholic priest who is well-known for his anti-mining advocacy in Eastern Samar died in a road crash in Barangay Naubay, Llorente, Eastern Samar early morning on Wednesday, 15 January.

Police investigators said Fr. Alex Galo, 66 years old and parish priest of the Our Lady of Salvation Parish in Salcedo town, was riding a motorcycle when he hit head on with an SUV coming from an opposite direction in a blind curve of the highway.

Fr. Galo, a known anti-mining activist, was also the head of the Commission on Church Properties of the Diocese of Borongan.

In a statement, the Diocese of Borongan confirmed the passing of the priest and asked for prayers for the deceased from the faithful.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Fr. Alejandro 'Alex' Galo, who tragically lost his life in a vehicular accident this morning at the age of 66,” it stated.

“We ask for your prayers during this difficult time as we honor the life and legacy of a remarkable servant of God,” it added. “Let us come together in prayer, remembering Fr. Alex in our hearts and asking for God’s comfort for all who mourn his loss.”

Fr. Galo is vocal of his position against the mining operations in Homonhon and Manicani islands in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

He hosts a twice a week radio program called Kalibungan, Kinabuhi, Kamurayaw (Environment, Life, Peace) aired from 7 to 10 o’clock in the morning from the town of Salcedo since 2013.

His radio program can be heard in 12 towns in Eastern Samar province and reaches over 15,000 households in the southern municipalities of the province.