Nolly Buco

Nolly Camingue Buco (born 27 November 1963) is a Filipino Catholic prelate who serves as the third bishop of the Diocese of Catarman. Prior to that, he was apostolic administrator of the said diocese following the resignation of Emmanuel Trance for health reasons, while concurrently serving as the auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo.

Buco is also Judicial Vicar of the National Tribunal of Appeals, a Church office that handles marriage nullity cases in the Philippines. He is the author of the 2024 book, Freeing Distressed Couple from Guilt, The Need for State Recognition of the Church's Declaration on Marriage Nullity.

Early life and education Buco was born in Baganga, Davao Oriental. After finishing high school, he enrolled at the Seminary of the Sacred Heart in Palo, Leyte, earning a degree in philosophy.

Priesthood Buco was ordained a deacon on March 25, 1993, then as priest for the diocese of Antipolo on October 18, 1993. Both ceremonies were presided by then bishop of Antipolo Protacio Gungon. He also enrolled in a PhD program in Anthropology at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

Buco held various positions in the diocese such as Judicial Vicar, member of the Presbyteral Consultors, and rector of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Seminary. Bishop Francisco Mendoza de Leon of Antipolo acted as principal consecrator, with bishops Oscar Jaime Florencio and Jacinto Jose serving as co-consecrators.

On December 8, 2023, Pope Francis appointed Buco as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Catarman, simultaneous with the pope's acceptance of the resignation of its bishop, Emmanuel Trance, for health reasons.

On October 16, 2024, Buco was eventually appointed as the third Bishop of Catarman in an announcement made by Pope Francis. He was installed on January 15, 2025, at the Our Lady of the Annunciation Cathedral. In preparation for his new assignment, Buco's coat of arms and motto were replaced. His new episcopal motto is Nolite Timere (Be not afraid), inspired by the Biblical verse, John 6:20.