NO TO KILLINGS!

UCCP PASTORAL STATEMENT

“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 Bishop Assigned to North Luzon Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Emergencio D. Padillo Bishop Assigned to Middle Luzon Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Joel E. Tendero Bishop Assigned to South Luzon Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Jaime R. Moriles Bishop Assigned to East Visayas Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Jezer E. Bertoldo Bishop Assigned to West Visayas Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog Bishop Assigned to North West Mindanao Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Hamuel G. Tequis Bishop Assigned to South East Mindanao Jurisdictional Area

Bishops Emeritus

BISHOP ARTURO R. ASI BISHOP OSIAS B. JAIM BISHOP ISAIAS L. BINGTAN BISHOP JUAN A. MARIGZA BISHOP ELMER M. BOLOCON BISHOP ROEL P. MENDOZA BISHOP ERME R. CAMBA BISHOP ELIEZER M. PASCUA BISHOP EBENEZER C. CAMINO BISHOP DULCE PIA-ROSE BISHOP CONSTANTE D. CLARO BISHOP ANACLETO SERAFICA BISHOP GABRIEL A. GAROL BISHOP JESSIE S. SUAREZ BISHOP HILARIO M. GOMEZ, JR. BISHOP RIZALINO Q. TAGANAS BISHOP MARINO I. INONG BISHOP MODESTO VILLASANTA