One of 'Magnificent Seven' anti-Martial Law bishops dies at age 80

A retired bishop, who was one of the so-called "Magnificent Seven" bishops who were vocal against Martial Law died last week at age 80. Retired Ilagan Bishop Miguel Gatan Purugganan died on July 7, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said. The CBCP said Purugganan's remains lie in state at the St. Ferdinand Cathedral in Upi, Gamu, Isabela. He will be buried at 9 a.m. on Friday. The National Democratic Front (NDF) also expressed sorrow over Purugganan's death. "Bishop Purugganan stood up bravely as one of the magnificent seven Catholic bishops who denounced martial law and the Marcos dictatorship from the very start," NDF peace panel chairman Luis Jalandoni said on his website. "He courageously set up the nationwide Basic Christian Communities Community Organizing (BCC-CO), which organized and mobilized the oppressed and exploited masses to stand up for their rights and collectively advance their interests and fight for the fundamental national and democratic aspirations of the people. He was the chairperson of the BCC-CO for many years," Jalandoni added. Purugganan was born on November 19, 1931 in Cabagan, Isabela. He was ordained on March 3, 1957. He chaired the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Lay Apostolate and was a member of the CBCP Permanent Council. He was also a member of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Episcopal Commission on Canon Law, national president of the Basic Christian Communities and consultant of the Episcopal Commission on Seminaries. He was vice chancellor and prefect of discipline of San Jose Seminary and was secretary to Bishop Teodulfo Domingo during the Second Vatican Council in Rome. Purugganan was made Assistant Pastor of St. Paul the Apostle parish, rector of San Jacinto Seminary and later on became vicar general of then Diocese of Tuguegarao. He chaired the Our Lady of the Pillar College in Cayauan, St. Ferdinand College and Isabela Diocesan Schools System. - VVP, GMA News