DAVAO CITY (February 11) — Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, the Bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Marbel died on Sunday at 5:30 in the morning, due to lingering illness.
Gutierrez, 79, was one of the critics of the Duterte administration’s drug war and took a strong stance against the open-pit mining of Saguitarius Mines’ in South Cotabato province.
He was born on Feb. 20, 1939 in Romblon and ordained as priest on April 7, 1962, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Roxas City, Capiz.
He was appointed by Pope John Paul II as Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Marbel on Nov. 19, 1980 and ordained bishop two months later.
Gutierrez assumed as bishop of the diocese by succession on Oct. 1, 1981.
Gutierrez was diagnosed with prostate cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for years.
Marbel Bishop Cerilo “Allan” Casicas asked the faithfuls to “Pray for the soul of Bishop Gutierrez.”
Casicas said the wake for the prelate would be held at the Christ the King Cathedral in Koronadal City.
Guiterrez indicated in his last will that he would like to be buried inside the cathedral compound.
Gutierrez served as chairperson of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ National Secretariat for Social Action.-ezc/NewsLine.ph
