Archbishop Romulo de la Cruz (June 24, 1947 - Dec. 10, 2021) (Photo courtesy of Beng Climaco Facebook)
MANILA – Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo dela Cruz died on Friday after a lingering illness. He was 74.
According to the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, dela Cruz died at about 11:05 p.m. the Zamboanga Doctors’ Hospital where he was brought due to an “erratic heartbeat”. He suffered a stroke in July.
Fr. Armand Aquino, chancellor of the archdiocese, said dela Cruz also had “very low blood pressure and slight fever”.
“He has long suffered from his illness and is now given relief to enjoy eternal peace in heaven,” read a statement released on Saturday. “We offer our prayers to God for the soul of Abp. Rommy, for his family and we pray for our Archdiocese of Zamboanga.”
Dela Cruz, who was born in Balasan, Iloilo on June 24, 1947, served the Archdiocese of Zamboanga for seven years.
He was ordained at the Archdiocese of Cotabato on Dec. 8, 1972. In 1987, he was named coadjutor bishop of Isabela and became the bishop in 1989.
Dela Cruz is well-loved by the Catholic faithful in Basilan as he stood his ground despite threats from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
He was the province’s archbishop when a kidnapped priest, Rev. Ruel Gallardo, died during a rescue attempt in May 2000.
Gallardo, who was reportedly tortured while in captivity, was shot on the back of the head by escaping ASG terrorists.
Dela Cruz also served as bishop of Kidapawan from 2008 until 2014 when he was appointed to Zamboanga.
The archdiocese is under the care of Auxiliary Bishop Moises Cuevas, who was appointed apostolic administrator by Pope Francis on August 11.
“Deepest condolences to the relatives, friends, the Catholic community, and the Archdiocese of Zamboanga family of the late Archbishop de la Cruz,” Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar posted on her Facebook account. (PNA)
