...By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
The archbishop of Portoviejo, Eduardo José Castillo Pino, has called upon the faithful to pray for an end to violence in Ecuador.
He expressed solidarity with the victims and injured in the aftermath of a shooting that took place at a funeral home in Manta, a port city on the central coast.
Prayers for the Victims and Families:
Archbishop Castillo issued a statement to ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, expressing his heartfelt prayer for the victims and their families.
He condemned the destructive impact of crime and terror, which continue to generate fear and insecurity in society.
Details of the Shooting Incident:
On May 18, around 10 a.m. local time, unidentified individuals targeted the wake of Andrés Agustín Moreira at the Gardens of Eden funeral home.
Moreira, a city traffic cop from Manta, had been murdered on May 16.
The attackers opened fire on those present at the funeral home, resulting in at least four deaths and eight injuries, including two minors, according to local media reports.
The Attack and Urgent Intervention:
The head of the National Police in Manabí, Patricio Almendáriz, revealed that a group of at least five individuals was responsible for the attack.
The assailants used both long guns and handguns to carry out the indiscriminate shooting inside the funeral home.
The mayor of Manta, Agustín Intriago, described the incident as “terror” extending beyond settling scores, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention by the Ministry of Government and Ministry of Defense to prevent similar acts from occurring in the city.
Appeal for Unity and Prayer:
Archbishop Castillo took to social media, urging the intervention of the government authorities to address the situation in Manta and prevent further harm to innocent lives.
He emphasized the need for unity and continued prayer for peace, urging everyone to empathize with the suffering of others and work towards an end to irrational violence.
The archbishop expressed confidence that the Lord would provide support and guidance in these difficult times.
Conclusion:
As shootings disrupt the peace in Ecuador’s port city of Manta, Archbishop Castillo calls for prayers and solidarity.
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of violence and its impact on communities.
The archbishop’s plea for unity, empathy, and fervent prayer serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and resolving these acts of violence for the well-being and security of society.
