ASIA/PHILIPPINES - The religious call to fight drug trafficking without summary justice

Wednesday, 31 August 2016 justice   drugs   orders  

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Manila (Agenzia Fides) - "In the last two months we have seen a steady increase in the number of extrajudicial executions, which has now reached about a thousand, and the count continues. Most of these deaths are related to drug problems. We express our full support in the fight against the problem of drugs in our country. And we admire the leadership that the President has taken in this campaign. However, we are alarmed at the continuing extrajudicial killings, which seem to continue with no control, without trial or investigation". This is what a widespread appeal from the Association of Major Superiors in the Philippines says, which brings together leaders of the male and female Catholic religious congregations
"We are alarmed by the silence of the government to these killings. The lack of public outcry is a tacit approval of what is happening? Or is it the fear that prevents people from speaking out?" the religious ask themselves.
"As religious and consecrated persons, we believe that justice must take its course following correct procedures and within the limits prescribed by the law" and should not be "summary justice". This is why we invite the government to "stop the vigilantes who commit illegal actions". The religious always highlight the "inviolability and sanctity of human life". "In the Year of Mercy, let our humanity and compassion reach those who are marginalized", without being "dehumanized by the culture of death". The religious ultimately advocate a reform of the criminal justice system and stress the need for mechanisms and paths of rehabilitation for drug users. (PA) (Fides 31/08/2016)


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