Bishop Eamonn Casey expects Father Niall O'Brien to be found guilty and then deported from the Philippines.
Bishop Eamonn Casey had spent a week in the Philippines with the Columban priest Father Niall O'Brien, one of the Negros Nine, who had been charged with the murder of Mayor Pablo Sola of Kabankalan and four companions.
Bishop Casey said the belief of everyone he talked to in the Philippines was that Father O'Brien and the others would be found guilty after a prolonged trial.
Bishop Casey went on to say that it was believed that after a conviction, it was believed that an act of amnesty may be granted and Father O'Brien would be deported.
Despite the conditions and the charges they face, Bishop Casey believes that those charged are holding up well on the back of the international support they are receiving. Father O'Brien, along with two other priests Father Brian Gore, an Australian and Father Vicente Dangan, a Filipino, and six lay workers, have also been given strength by the fact that they have been able to act as priests while in prison.
Bishop Casey felt that his visit had been worthwhile and had given Father O'Brien a renewed sense of courage in the knowledge that he had the support of Irish bishops and the Irish people.
Bishop Casey also urged the American government, who have a tremendous influence in the Philippines, to express concern on behalf of the prisoners.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 February 1984. The reporters are Alan McCullough.
