Philippine government's 'war on drugs' a challenge to all faiths

Manila parishioner at Thou Shalt Not Kill vigil

The Philippine government's violent war against illegal drugs has become a challenge to not only church leaders but to people of all faiths who believe in the sacredness of life and in mercy and compassion. The president's war, which has already killed some 3,500 drug addicts and peddlers, has become a call on the conscience and the integrity of Philippine faith leaders.

After President Duterte delivered his first State of the Nation Address (Sona) to Congress, on 24 July, the Archdiocese of Manila launched the 'Huwag Kang Papatay' (Thou Shall Not Kill) campaign, which aims to bring together the families of the victims of extrajudicial killings that have come with the Duterte administration's war on illegal drugs.

"Thou shall not kill," reads the placards displayed outside some churches. Some Catholics have already decided to act and speak to protect life, practice love and mercy, and to heal the wounded. The teaching of Jesus to protect life has become a challenge in the midst of the killings. Filipino Catholics are called by their faith to take a stand on the issue of justice and due process and the right of people to live and not be shot on the mere suspicion of being a drug addict.

"Although death is a twin sister born with us on the same day we were born, death by terror and violence, death in the hands of our fellow men is a sin that cries to heaven for vengeance," reads a statement by Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the bishops' conference.

The following ecumenical statement has been published by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan (Central Pangasinan, Philippines)

WE BELIEVE IN PEACE!

An Inter Faith Statement of Peace from the Religious Leaders of Pangasinan

We, leaders of various faith traditions, pastors and ministers of various Christian Churches in Pangasinan came together today in prayer and fellowship for peace in the world, peace in our country, peace among us and peace within ourselves.

The spirit of all religions is peace and it is a great offense against the majesty of God Almighty to use religion to sow division, discord and dissension in our society and the wrold at large. If we have contributed in any way to the absence of peace and the reign of violence in our society, we bow down our heads with utmost repentance and seek pardon from the God of Peace and beg for forgiveness from one another.

We believe that we have the power within us coming from God Himself, despite our human limitations, to contribute to the reign of peace and put an end to hate and violence in our society.

That power is prayer. Our weapon against violence is prayer. There is no peace without prayer. There is no peace without God.

Therefore, we the religious leaders of Pangasinan, respectful of one another's faith traditions and even more aware of the unresolved killings of suspected criminals and deaths of innocent victims caught in conflict, of police officers and military men who, in thecall of duty and for our sakes ,put their lives in danger to maintain peace and order in our nation, enjoin our brethren and members of our religious communities to come together in prayer at NINE 0'CLOCK IN THE EVENING EVERYDAY wherever we may be and pray for peace in Pangasinan and for the whole nation.

We believe together that:

The words of hate must stop and give way to hope and brotherhood.
The fearsome sound of gunshots must be silenced and the voice of those who in pain must be heard.
The threat of criminality and violence must now give way to the ministry of mercy and compassion.
The distortion of truth must end for only the Truth can set us free.
The bickering and quarreling must cease and let the balm of kindness now flow.
The nation must be purged from drug dealers yet the rule of law must prevail and human rights must at all times be respected.
Hypocrisy and dishonesty must melt and be replaced by sincere zeal with humility.
Peace is life. If we do not work for peace, we shall all perish.

September 21, 2016

United Methodist Church of the Pangasinan
Central East District Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan
Christian Evangelical Ministries Federation of Dagupan City
Dagupan Chinese Baptist Church
Radha Krisna Hindu Temple, Urdaneta City
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Bayambang
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Urdaneta
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Philippines Urdaneta Mission
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Calasiao
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Dagupan
Iglesia Filipina
Independiente Bugallon Christian Church
Muslim Community,
Dagupan City Jesus Christ Saves Global Outreach Ministry
Good News Community Church
New Life in Christ Foursquare Gospel

Source: Fides/UCAN/Archdiocese of Manila