Cordillera IPs join walk against killings, death penalty

Bishop Valentin Dimoc (extreme right) speaks during the Walk for Life at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Feb. 18, 2017. (CBCPNews)

MANILA — Indigenous peoples from the Mountain Province and Ifugao province  came down from the mountains to be in solidarity with the thousands of lay people who joined yesterday’s “Walk for Life” in Manila.

Some of them wear their traditional garb and performed a traditional dance as they call for an end to extrajudicial killings and oppose the the death penalty.

They were accompanied by Bishop Valentin Dimoc of Bontoc-Lagawe who affirmed his vicariate’s commitment to the promotion of life and respect for human dignity. 

“It is here in Manila that laws and government policies are crafted. Therefore, we join you as brothers and sisters in order to voice our opposition to the culture of death in all forms,” he said.

The young prelate also asked the faithful “take courage and make out light shine” in “the midst of darkness”. 

“When we hear expletives or thousands of cusswords, let us not be intimidated and let us remain peaceful,” Dimoc said.

“When we are bullied because of trolls in cyberspace, let us continue to use the Facebook responsibly, make our presence felt, and bear witness to our faith,” he said.

The bishop also encouraged the faithful to continue praying and support the Philippine National Police in cleaning their ranks instead of being pessimistic when they hear crime syndicates inside the PNP.

“In the midst of millions of drug users and surrenderers in our society, let us reach to them with mercy and compassion,” Dimoc added.

“Let us help the victims of crimes! Let justice flow! Let our light shine!” he said.