The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is reportedly scheduled to conduct an autopsy on Fr. Mar Biliran whose lifeless body was found hanging inside the restroom at the Loboc Convent last week.

However, his remains will be laid to rest at 2 pm today at the Necroplis inside the IHMS compound with or without the said autopsy, a highly placed source said. The request for an autopsy came after family members found some suspicious circumstances behind the priest’s death.

Fr. Biliran was found slumped on the bathroom floor with an extension wire coiled around his neck at around 7 p.m. on June 27.

Fr. Biliran had undergone surgery related to colon cancer that he had been diagnosed of last year.

His death came the night prior to the day preceding the parish feast. In fact he was still texting some of his friends few hours before his death inviting them to their town fiesta the following day.

He had served as parish priest of St. Isidore The Farmer Parish in Bilar prior to his assignment in Loboc on June 8; and in the past, in Sagbayan, Tubigon, and Loay.

Fr. Biliran had just celebrated his 25th Sacerdotal Anniversary in April this year.

He finished Bachelor of Arts- -major in Philosophy- -at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Taloto District, Tagbilaran City, then at the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos in Mabolo, Cebu City.

Meanwhile Bishop Leonardo Medroso of the Diocese of Tagbilaran called on parishioners to unite in prayer after the apparent suicide of Fr. Biliran.

In his official statement, “The Bishop together with the Presbyterium of the Diocese of Tagbilaran is confronted with great affliction and in deep grief and sorrow over the loss of our brother priest Fr. Marcelino Biliran. To us and to all those who have known him, he was indeed a GIFT to the Church as he was very generous, meek and humble, and was known to be a good Pastor. While aware of his terminal illness, we are shocked and confused at this untimely loss, yet resolved to respect the findings of the police authority with regards to the tragic death of our brother priest. In the midst of this present tribulation, we continue to appeal for God’s mercy in behalf of our brother priest. We likewise appeal to the faithful to continue praying for us, to strengthen us in our personal struggles and for us to wade through life’s challenges. As we grieve, we offer assurance to the faithful especially those who are most affected, our deeper commitment to you as your shepherd. This sad incident might have shaken the faith of some of our brothers and sisters, but we pray that the grace of God will turn this mourning into a profound experience of faith and a more intimate personal relationship with God. With God’s mercy and guidance, we resolve to strengthen our solidarity anchored on love, humility, and compassion – the Priesthood of Christ.”

Although the incident surprised and baffled them, members of the Diocese of Tagbilaran will respect the findings of the police investigation on the death of their fellow priest. His remains was supposed to be buried last Saturday that was postponed for today.