Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dagupan City (Agenzia Fides) - The Bishops' Conference of the Philippines expressed its peremptory "no" to all forms of violence against human life, and publicly declared support for the peace process and the ongoing negotiations: as reported in a statement sent to Fides, signed by the President of the Conference, His Exc. Mgr. Socrates B. Villegas, Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, the Bishops, "strongly condemn all acts of violence against human life, no matter what the stated purpose of such violence is", stressing for the southern Philippines" the necessity and urgency of reaching a peaceful solution that is inclusive, and appropriate for all".
The text comes after a serious incident of violence: 43 Filipino policemen were killed in a clash with militants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the more radical group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, in Maguindanao (BIFF), which occurred on Sunday, January 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, in the area of Maguindanao. Among the victims there were also eight rebels.
"With deep sorrow, but with faith in the resurrection, the Episcopal Conference mourns with the families of the brave police officers, victims of an totally senseless act of violence in Mindanao", says Mgr. Villegas. The victims belonged to the Special Forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP). It is, according to observers, an episode that may jeopardize the peace talks underway. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 27/01/2015)
