NO TO KILLINGS

photo courtesy of www.dailymail.co.uk

August 24, 2016

NO TO KILLINGS

“You shall not kill”

(Exodus 20:13)

“For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

(John 3:17)

LIFE is a sacred gift of God. It must, therefore, be defended, protected and safeguarded.

The proliferation and use of illegal drugs disrespect life and the campaign against the drug trade must be relentlessly pursued by government as it puts the lives of people and the future of the nation at stake. We, therefore, laud and support the Duterte administration on its effort to rid our country of this social scourge.

However, in the pursuit of this noble objective, there has been a rising number of killings and violence that are apparently consequences of the government’s intensified efforts to quell illegal drugs syndicates and their minions.

This is a troubling development, thus, we are compelled now to voice out our sentiments in keeping with our Christian faith.

Everyone must be accorded the right of due process. But the alarming spate of extra-judicial killings since the onset of President Duterte’s administration undeniably tells us that the dignity and sanctity of human life is unashamedly desecrated; and that due process is ignored in the zealousness of the law enforcers to their duty.

We are afraid that such brutal way will eventually be used to cover up for possible executions of those human rights advocates and defenders.

We cannot simply remain quiet and unmoved. We cannot condone all those killings. The killings must be abated and stopped. Rid the country of drug lords and drug syndicates without forfeiting the God-given life.

On behalf of the UCCP National Council,

UCCP COUNCIL OF BISHOPS

Bishop Reuel Norman O. Marigza
General Secretary

Bishop Elorde M. Sambat
North Luzon Jurisdictional Area

Bishop Emergencio D. Padillo
Middle Luzon Jurisdictional Area

Bishop Joel E. Tendero
South Luzon Jurisdictional Area

Bishop Jaime M. Moriles
East Visayas Jurisdictional Area

Bishop Jezer E. Bertoldo
West Visayas Jurisdictional Area

Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog
Northwest Mindanao Jurisdictional Area

Bishop Hamuel G. Tequis
Southeast Mindanao Jurisdictional Area

Bishops Emeritus:
Bishop Arturo R. Asi
Bishop Isaias L. Bingtan
Bishop Elmer M. Bolocon
Bishop Erme R. Camba
Bishop Ebenezer C. Camino
Bishop Constante D. Claro
Bishop Gabriel A. Garol
Bishop Hilario M. Gomez, Jr.
Bishop Marino I. Inong
Bishop Osias B. Jaim
Bishop Juan A. Marigza
Bishop Roel P. Mendoza
Bishop Eliezer M. Pascua
Bishop Dulce Pia-Rose
Bishop Anacleto Serafica
Bishop Jessie S. Suarez
Bishop Rizalino Q. Taganas
Bishop Modesto Villasanta

For downloadable copy of this statement, just click on the link: Statement on No to Killings