The National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA)/Caritas Philippines has expressed its support to the silent protest led by several Catholic Churches calling for an end to extrajudicial killings of drug suspects in the country, and for the respect of the dignity of life.
In a statement, NASSA/Caritas Philippines Executive Secretary Fr. Edwin Gariguez said that while he supports the present administration’s goal in eradicating illegal drugs and criminality in the country, the method being used is unjustifiable.
“Killing of drug traffickers without due process, even in the name of a just cause, is morally unacceptable,” Gariguez said.
He added that what is alarming is the poor are most vulnerable to loss of life, and the destruction, violation and suppression of their rights.
“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,” the priest added.
The statement came after the Archdiocese of Jaro in Iloilo held a silent protest, condemning the spate of extrajudicial killings of suspected drug criminals. At least 97 parishes in Iloilo have placed streamers with messages calling to respect life and stop the killings. (pr)
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