The Philippines' Department of Justice has brought criminal charges against several military personnel for the murder of an Italian Catholic priest in Mindanao, in the Philippines.

Father Fausto Tentorio was shot dead inside his church grounds in Arakan town, Mindanao on October 17, 2011. The state prosecutor said it was a 'plain murder' premeditated and by executed paramilitary group Bagani, according to UCA News.

The filing of charges against Lt Col Joven Gonzales, Major Mark Espiritu, and several members of the Bagani group based in the province of North Cotabato has now been ordered, state prosecutors said.

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan diocese said his community had 'prayed and waited for this time of retribution,' but warned that the 'men who are now being charged could just be pawns'.

He added: 'We would like to know who is behind the killing, who gave the order.'

State prosecutor Peter Ong said that Tentorio was 'shot 10 times' in the attack, but said authorities had ruled out a political motive for the killing. He said at least 30 witnesses were 'not afraid' and willing to give testimony in the case.

'You have no reason to kill a person who is not a combatant,' Ong said of the attack, calling it 'plain murder.'

However, others suggested the government was behind the killing of Tentorio; the priest was known for vocal environmental activism and opposition to local mining operations.

Cristina Palabay, the secretary-general of human rights group Karapatan, said the killing of the priest was 'an act to silence progressive groups and individuals who work for comprehensive and meaningful societal change.'

The filing of charges against ranking military members is being taken by some as confirmation of government corruption. 'The government's denial of political motive behind Father Tentorio's death is meant to evade accountability,' Palabay added.

Nardy Sabino of the Promotion of Church People's Response warned that other clergy were being targeted by the military. He said he case against Tentorio 'reveals a pattern of how they silence activist-priests', following the killing of social justice activist Father Marcelito Paez on December 4.