Cebu Archdiocese confirms tragic death of priest; cites mental health breakdown
· The Archdiocese of Cebu confirm the tragic death of 68-year-old Rev. Fr. Decoroso Olmilla and cited severe mental health breakdown as the possible culprit
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· Fr. Olmilla was found lifeless inside a Cebu City condominium unit on Wednesday, November 12, 2025
· Archbishop Alberto Uy expressed deep sorrow and acknowledged that the tragic event underscores the need for mental health support within the clergy
· The Church appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the priest's grieving family and fellow clergy members during this time
The Catholic faithful in Cebu are grappling with grief and a call for profound reflection after the Archdiocese of Cebu officially confirmed the tragic death of one of its ordained priests, Rev. Fr. Decoroso “Cocoi” Olmilla.
Source: UGC
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The 68-year-old clergyman, who had served as a resident priest at the San Fernando El Rey Parish in Liloan, northern Cebu, was discovered lifeless inside a condominium unit in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
The tragic news was revealed following an in-depth investigation that concluded Fr. Olmilla had suffered a severe mental health breakdown, leading him to take his own life.
Police reports indicated that the Mabolo Police Station responded to a "su1cide alarm" at the Persimmon Residences and confirmed the priest sustained self-inflicted injuries.
Archbishop Alberto Uy of Cebu issued a solemn statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss and framing the incident as a stark and painful reminder of the hidden struggles faced even by those dedicated to spiritual guidance.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Rev. Fr. Decoroso ‘Cocoi’ Olmilla. This tragic end, caused by a collapse in his mental health, is a reminder that even those we look up to carry silent burdens,” the Archdiocese stated.
The Church acknowledged the spiritual and emotional turmoil Fr. Olmilla's death might inflict upon the faithful and humbly asked for understanding and forgiveness for any pain caused.
Archbishop Uy emphasized the need for compassion and understanding over judgment, reminding the community of the Catholic Church’s stance on the sanctity of life.
“We can only continue to trust that God’s mercy may remain greater than our human failures,” he added.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, church officials have appealed to the public and the media to observe utmost privacy and respect for Fr. Olmilla’s family and his fellow clergy members. The focus, they stressed, must be on dignified mourning and prayer.
"We appeal, on behalf of his family members, for everyone to respect their privacy at this time of such tragic loss and so allow them to grieve in dignity and peace," the statement urged.
Fr. Olmilla’s death tragically underscores the growing conversation around mental health support for clergy.
Priests, often seen as pillars of strength and comfort, face unique pressures, isolation, and immense responsibility that can severely impact their mental and emotional well-being.
The Archdiocese noted that this painful event highlights the urgent need for robust support systems within the clergy to help ministers who are struggling with inner harmony and depression.
Fr. Olmilla, who was ordained in 1983, dedicated decades to pastoral work across various parishes in Cebu.
His remains have been turned over to his family, who are currently coordinating private arrangements for his mourning and burial.
The Cebu Archdiocese encourages the faithful to remember Fr. Olmilla in their prayers, trusting that he has found eternal peace with his Creator.
News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.
In other news, a CCTV captured a man roaming the street with a bolo moments before attacking a victim. Barangay officials say the suspect assaulted a visiting man out of jealousy. The victim used a bench and a broken bottle to fend off further blows. Police are pursuing the suspect, who is now facing a frustrated murder complaint.
Still in other news, People are making a plea to save a “Mindanao Sierra Madre.” IDIS warns that mining threatens the mountain’s biodiversity and nearby communities. Provincial photos showed an estimated 200 hectares damaged by mining activities. The group wants mining licenses withheld to allow Mt. Hamiguitan to recover.
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