THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ social action arm joined a “silent protest” against extrajudicial killings in the country and condemned them as morally unjustifiable even if done for a just cause.
The CBCP National Secretariat for Social Action, also known as Caritas Philippines, issued a statement announcing that it would follow the lead of the Archdioceses of Jaro in Iloilo and Nueva Segovia in Ilocos Sur in the silent protest.
Caritas Executive Secretary Fr. Edwin Gariguez said mission of fighting the proliferation of illegal drugs and rampant criminality is a just cause but the method is unjustifiable.
“Killing of drug traffickers without due process, even in the name of a just cause, is morally unacceptable,” Gariguez said. “Unfortunately, reports show that majority of those killed are poor people residing in squatter areas.”
“President Rodrigo Duterte’s claim of ensuring and protecting those who have less in life becomes merely lip service should the State continue to violate and disregard the rights of the poor,” he added, noting that parishes all over the country have joined the call against the killings.
The charity agency issued the statement after Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo earlier said the Church cannot be silent as the body count in the government’s war on drugs reached more than 6,000 in five months.
“We cannot afford to keep silent. This is another way of terrorizing the people. But now is really the time to speak,” said Pabillo, who chairs the bishops’ Commission on the Laity.
“I hope we have learned from the Edsa experience. It is time to speak out now. Let us not wait again for 14 years before speaking out,” he said.
“Running priest” Fr. Robert Reyes said the war on drugs has ended so many lives and actions are needed in order to bring peace and justice.
“We will unite against those picking on the poor as being drug addicts. We will unite against those that are addicted to power. We will unite for life,” said Reyes.
The two church leaders made the remarks at a traditional “Panunuluyan” reenacting of the search of Mary and Joseph for an inn to stay.
But this year, the activity, organized by the Urban Poor Associates, was staged to condemn the series of extrajudicial killings.
“The sight of a neighbor drenched in his own blood brings indescribable traumas, especially in children, comparable to the effects of a tsunami. The culture of fear in our communities cripples our families,” the group said.
“We have lost our right to a fair hearing. Are we being frightened so as to throw our unwilling support to the violent war that is destroying our communities?” the group added.