Catholic Church in the Philippines opposes intense anti-drug campaign
The Catholic Church in the Philippines is taking a stand against the country's ongoing war on drugs, led by President Rodrigo Duterte. In a recent pastoral letter, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on the government to address the root causes of the drug problem, including poverty, family breakdown, and corruption.
The letter, issued by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, condemned the government's war on drugs as a "reign of terror" and offered prayers in solidarity with the victims' families. The CBCP denounced the killings in the letter, which was read at all Sunday Masses in the country on February 5.
The drug war has claimed over 7,000 lives since last summer, with suspected drug addicts or dealers being killed by law enforcement officers in nighttime shootings. The photos of Brother Jun Santiago, a Redemptorist who resists the drug war by photographing crime scenes during the night, were displayed outside the Baclaran Church in December.
Brother Santiago's work connects these people to an underground network providing refuge and assistance, such as employment. The Baclaran Church offers sanctuary and assistance to those threatened by the drug wars through the EJK response program. The program provides financial support, legal assistance, rehab programs, and other aid to victims and families of the war on drugs.
Father Carlos Ronquillo, the rector of the Baclaran Church, believes in the power of images to engage people about the drug war. Father Gilbert Billena, a priest, now offers sanctuary to those in danger, having initially supported President Duterte's war on drugs.
However, not all Catholic leaders and laypeople are willing to speak out against the drug war. Some are afraid to do so, fearing they will become targets. Dennis Febre, who works for the EJK response program, emphasizes that their actions are non-political.
The CBCP has suggested that the government should address these problems through anti-poverty efforts, family strengthening efforts, and reform in the police forces, judicial systems, and politics. They have also called for the rehabilitation of drug addicts rather than their destruction.
President Duterte and the Catholic leadership have frequently clashed, with Duterte attacking the Church whenever they speak out against his leadership or his war on drugs. Despite this, many Filipinos, the majority of whom are Catholic, support the drug war, believing it will make their neighborhoods safer.
The Catholic Church's stance against the drug war is a significant development in the ongoing debate over the war's legitimacy and effectiveness. As the war continues, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the Church's calls for reform and how the Church will continue to support those affected by the drug war.
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