(NCCP Statement for World Humanitarian Day 2025)
We are witnessing immense human suffering caused by devastating climate disasters and the growing disregard for international humanitarian law (IHL), both locally and globally. This World Humanitarian Day, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines call for greater solidarity and accountability for the communities affected by violence, militarization and violations of the international humanitarian law in the country. This, in the face of the recent catastrophic disasters and climate change impacts, and current economic distress and environmental destruction exacerbate humanitarian needs and vulnerability of Filipino communities.
We condemn the proliferation of suffering through the rampant IHL violations in the rural areas of the country by the Philippine government. According to the rights group KARAPATAN, civilians affected by bombings grew from 2,354 in 2022 to 51,206 this June 2025. The group also reported an alarming trend of “fake armed encounters”, which has already affected 129 civilians from July 2022 to June 2025. As of writing, there is an active case of bombing of civilian communities in Mindoro. Recently, an indigenous person and farmer Juan Sumilhig was extrajudicially killed by the 4th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. These are put under the guise of “counterinsurgency” to evade accountability.
As people of faith, we are called to be bearers of hope and bring the good news of peace. The Council has long recognized and upheld its commitment to Peace, a commitment that is rooted in our being Church1. Thus, we must turn the tide together.
We encourage our member churches and local partner ecumenical formations to cater to the needs of affected communities by helping in documenting any form of violence related to the IHL and cases of rights violations; by supporting humanitarian and investigative missions as part of their compassion ministries and humanitarian programs; and by hearing their stories and giving them platforms to speak in churches. The damaging effects of IHL violations to individuals and communities urgently require concrete solidarity through care and services from our churches and faith communities.
We call on the President to reverse the government’s withdrawal to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2018. We recognize the ICC’s crucial role for investigating and prosecuting genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity – a role that the national government should also recognize if it is to respect human rights and international humanitarian law. This sends a powerful message that no one is above the law, and that the crimes that shock the conscience of humanity must not go unpunished.
Alarmingly, we recognize that these humanitarian catastrophes exist in other parts of the world, especially in the Gaza strip, where civilians – including women and children – are still enduring unspeakable human suffering. We reinforce our solidarity with our Palestinian siblings, as we demand ceasefire and for concrete and urgent steps saving lives trapped under blankets of massacres, bombardments, and siege.
As Christian humanitarians, we follow the call to prioritize humanity at all costs, uphold the international law, and work urgently towards just and lasting peace.
20 August 2025
(Sgd.) The Most Rev. Brent Harry W. Alawas
Chairperson
(Sgd.) The Most Rev. Brent Harry W. Alawas
Chairperson
(Sgd.) Rev. Jon Dave Angeles
Vice-Chairperson
(Sgd.) Ms. Jennifer Ferariza-Meneses
Vice-Chairperson
(Sgd.) Rev. Leonardo R. Morada
Corporate Treasurer
(Sgd.) Ms. Minnie Anne M. Calub
General Secretary
[1] From the NCCP statement in January 1987 “On The Search For A True And Lasting Peace”.
