Novo Ecijanos have welcomed the inclusion of Father Marcelito “Tito” Paez in the list of seven individuals to be reviewed by the Vatican's Commission on New Martyrs – Witnesses of the Faith for possible recognition as “new martyrs” in the Jubilee Year 2025.
Also named were Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, a Claretian missionary who was abducted and killed by Abu Sayyaf in 2000; Alberto Pinagawa, a lay leader slain for opposing illegal logging and mining in Mindanao; and four individuals who were killed in the 2023 bombing at Mindanao State University in Marawi City.
Cabanatuan City native Rene DeGuzman said Paez’s legacy continues to inspire communities pushing for social justice.
“Father Tito’s good soul and fighting spirit lives in all the good-minded and well-meaning people who are united together in the struggle for just and lasting peace. His priestly ministry was a convergence of Christianity and humanity,” DeGuzman said.
“He had his mind and heart focused on the ‘liberational’ mission of his calling. He did not die in vain. It has been a gain for God’s people,” he added.
Media personality Gina Magsanoc also encouraged Novo Ecijanos to remember Paez’s example, saying, “Minsan pa nating balikan ang kwento ni Father Paez. Mahal mo din ba ang bayan mo?”
Paez, 72, was a long-time advocate for farmers, the poor, and human rights. He was active in social justice campaigns since martial law and served for over three decades as a diocesan priest in the Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija. He continued outreach work in retirement as coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines in Central Luzon.
On 4 December 2017, after assisting in the release of political prisoner Rommel Tucay, Paez was shot by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Jaen, Nueva Ecija. He died in the hospital hours later.
His death occurred during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte and has been regarded by many church and human rights groups as martyrdom.