Lay groups taking the streets against killings
MANILA — Protesters composed of various lay Church organizations will take the streets of Manila to show their rejection of the wave of extrajudicial executions in the country.
Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas President Zenaida Capistrano said the “Walk for Life” on Feb. 18 is among the opportunities for the lay people to show that they care for others, especially the poor.
In a press conference Jan. 11, she said it’s about time for the lay faithful to express their opposition to the more than 6,200 unexplained killings and as well as government’s plan to restore the death penalty.
“We, the Filipino Catholic lay faithful signify our protest against all forms of threats to human life and dignity that are coming from the economic, social, and political structures and authorities,” Capistrano said in a press briefing Jan. 11.
“We have all the chances to do what is expected of us. Let us express to the government our real sentiments. Let us go out and tell them that we are against this culture of death,” she added.
Organizers said the march will converge at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila that is expected to be attended by different lay organizations.
Capistrano said those planning to attend are encouraged to bring their own slogan-bearing placards, banners, as well as white and yellow flaglets and ribbons to echo their call for the protection of life.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, chairman of the bishops’ Commission on the Laity, also emphasized the need for the clergy to strengthen the Church’s teachings on the value of human life.
He lamented that many Filipinos are indifferent, with some even approving, the killings of suspected drug pushers and users, where majority of the victims are among the poor.
“On the part of the clergy, it is a real challenge for us to teach the faithful that being a true Christian means we have to care for others also,” Pabillo said. (CBCPNews)