Activist and faith-based groups light candles in Manila to call for an end to the killings of suspected drug users and peddlers in the country. (Photo by Vincent Go)
The Catholic Church has the "moral duty" to protect individuals whose lives are in danger, especially those who have witnessed the spate of drug-related killings in the Philippines.
Archbishop Oscar Cruz, former president of the bishops' conference, said giving protection to people whose lives are under threat is a "common practice, a common observance."
"It has a very long history in church observance," said the prelate, adding that it is "along the principle of love your neighbor."
Archbishop Cruz said the assumption is that protection seekers are "helpless" and "understandably the church comes in to help the helpless."
The former head of the bishops' conference said that during the past investigations into illegal gambling operations in the country he arranged sanctuary for some people.
"The assumption is the military or police will not invade a place of asylum," said Archbishop Cruz.
The prelate, however, emphasized that individual bishops or priests should provide protection for people under threat, not the bishops' conference.
"The conference will ask a bishop in a place where it is convenient to give asylum," said Archbishop Cruz, adding that giving protection will depend on the prudence of individual bishops or priests.
An estimated 3,500 suspected drug users and peddlers have been killed in the government's war against illegal drugs, but no cases prospered in court for lack of witnesses.
UN probe welcome
Another Catholic bishop, meanwhile, welcomed reports that United Nations and the European Union human rights experts are planning to visit the Philippines to look into the spate of killings in the country.
Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa said it is also an opportunity for the world to know that Filipinos want "real transformation" without the "ungodly, unlawful and inhuman" process.
"Let's pray that Duterte's love of country will be rooted on love for God," said Archbishop Arguelles.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte last week said he would allow UN and EU experts to look into the killings that have been linked to his war against illegal drugs.
Pastors condemn drug violence
Faith leaders in the northern Philippine province of Pangasinan, meanwhile, joined hands to condemn the mounting number of drug-related, and vigilante-style killings in the country.
"The nation must be purged from drug dealers yet the rule of law must prevail and human rights must at all times be respected," they said in statement on Sept. 23.
In their statement, Catholic priests and Protestant pastors from 17 religious groups said the threat of crime and violence "must now give way to the ministry of mercy and compassion."
"The bickering and quarreling must cease and let the balm of kindness now flow," read the statement.
They called on the faithful to hold "prayers for peace" every evening for victims of killings and for the authorities "who put their lives in danger to maintain peace and order."
"Our weapon against violence is prayer. There is no peace without prayer. There is no peace without God," added the faith leaders.
