Bishop Bantolo laid to rest, new Diocesan Administrator for Masbate elected

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat

Bishop Jose Bantolo passed away on Dec. 13, 2025 after battling a chronic illness. He was 65. 

Born in Antique and ordained a priest for the Diocese of San Jose de Antique in 1986, Bantolo was appointed by then Pope Benedict XVI as the 3rd Bishop of Masbate in 2011. He was ordained a Bishop on Aug. 22, 2011 and was installed as the prelate of Masbate on Sept. 6, 2011. He chose the motto: “Vivere Christus est” (To live is Christ). 

His pastoral leadership was described by the Diocese of Masbate as “selfless”. 

“He served the faithful of the Diocese of Masbate with devotion and grace for 14 years,” the Diocese said in a statement. 

Bantolo’s funeral mass and interment was held on Dec. 30, 2025 at the Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua in Masbate City. The mass was presided by Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon. Also present were the Bicol Bishops and the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, who, in behalf of the Holy Father, extended his condolences to the Clergy and faithful of Masbate and to the family of the deceased. 

In his homily, Alarcon described Bantolo as “simple and humble”, having “an unassuming bearing that made him approachable”. His vision for his Clergy was for them to be “happy, healthy and holy”. 

“A steadfast servant, Bishop Joban was hardworking and had a strong sense of mission,” Alarcon continued to say. “He was concerned with poverty and peace and order in Masbate.”

“He desired the renewal of the Diocese in Christ through communities and structures. He wanted to bring the Church closer to its people, whom he saw as the Diocese’s greatest treasure.” 

Currently, Msgr. Claro Caluya III is the Diocesan Administrator of Masbate.