Rhoel Gallardo, CMF (November 29, 1965 – May 3, 2000) was a Catholic Claretian missionary martyred in Basilan, the Philippines.

Early life and education

Gallardo was born on November 29, 1965, in Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines. He was the second child among five siblings. In 1988, Gallardo decided to be a priest joining the Claretian Order. He took his first vows the following year and was ordained a priest in 1994.^[1]

Ministry

Gallardo's last assignment was at the parish of Tumahubong in Sumisip, Basilan. He volunteered to be assigned to that parish.^[2]

Kidnapping and death

On March 20, 2000, Abu Sayyaf militants stormed the Claret School compound in Tumahubong, Basilan.^[3] The group burned the school, and abducted people in the area including teachers and students.^[4] Gallardo who resides in a mission house inside the complex was among who was captured. The captives were kept in Punoh Mahadji and on May 3, 2000, they were brought out of the site; reportedly being planned to be transferred to Sulu. At one point, the male and female captives were separated from each other. Gallardo along with three teachers and five students were found dead. Gallardo's body was found to be riddled with three bullet wounds caused by close-range shots, and had his nails removed.^[3][5]

Veneration

The Claretians have opened a cause for Gallardo's beatification as a martyr of the Catholic Church on May 3, 2021. Among his noted acts was during his kidnapping; he is testified to have protected his co-captives and prevented the rape of women, and gave spiritual support such as praying the rosary together with the other captives. He reportedly was asked to denounce his Catholic faith but refused.^[4][3] He is also noted to have fostered Christian-Muslim relations in Basilan.^[3]