MANILA- A bishop has called on authorities to investigate the "unjust and brutal" killing of an elderly priest in his diocese in Nueva Ecija on Tuesday.

Bishop Roberto Mallari of San Jose City in Nueva Ecija condemned the killing of 72-year-old Fr. Marcelito “Tito” Paez, who was attacked by 4 motorcycle-riding men in Jaen, Nueva Ecija.

“We strongly condemn the unjust and brutal killing of Fr. Tito Paez,” Mallari said in a report by CBCP News.

“We called on the authorities to conduct investigation and give justice to his death,” he added.

• Pari, patay sa pamamaril sa Nueva Ecija

Police investigation revealed that the suspects have been tailing the priest's vehicle before the ambush.

Bishop Mallari also asked the faithful to pray that justice be served immediately.

Prior to his death, Paez helped free a political prisoner, Rommel Tucay, who was jailed in Cabanatuan City.

Paez was the coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines in Central Luzon at the time of his death, the CBCP said.