By Ferdinand Patinio/PNA
MANILA — The former head of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan and now Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad on Wednesday expressed approval on the appointment of his successor 49-year-old Fr. Leo Dalmao.
“I am happy with his appointment. It is an excellent choice,” he said in an interview.
The Catholic prelate believed that the bishop-elect, who has served the area after his ordination is loved by both Christians and Muslims there.
“He is not new to Basilan. He was assigned before there in Basilan. He knows many people and he is well-loved not only by Catholics but even by our Muslim brothers and sisters” he said.
“He handled the Badjau Apostolate Program. He was assigned in Tumahubong and Maluso. He can mix and relate to all sectors in Basilan and they rejoice with his appointment as the 4th Bishop of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan,” Jumoad added.
Dalmao replaced the Archbishop after he was appointed to head the Archdiocese of Ozamiz in October 2016.
Pope Francis has appointed the new bishop of Prelature of Isabela together with Fr. Cosme Almedilla, as the new bishop of Butuan, Agusan del Norte on Monday.
