CPCP News
Setptember 13, 2007
Manila, - Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios M. Pueblos reiterated his call for the government to investigate all killings commonly described as "extrajudicial killings," so that its perpetrators be brought to justice.
In an interview with CBCPNews, Bishop Pueblos who also serves Commissioner to the Melo Commission, said the killings have been perpetrated by "vigilantes, " by people out to get even, persons involved in land disputes, partisan politics and groups out to silence political activists.
He said while AFP Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. created five courts martial to attend to soldiers accused of violating Human Rights, they may not have cases to hear as "people may not be able to launch or file complaints."
He said even his fellow Melo Commissioner Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuno agreed with his suggestion to improve the government's witness protection program. "However, Commissioner Zuno said improving the Witness Protection program would mean additional funds as one has to deal with not just with a witness to case but his entire family during the court proceedings, " Bishop Pueblos said.
"As a Church, and as a teacher, we have to respect the rights of every person because each one of us is made according to the image of God," Bishop Pueblos said.
He added "every person has that right from God so we have to respect that to the point nobody is allowed to get the life of the other, everybody is encouraged to protect the life of each other."
He said the 6th commandment is clear, "Thou shall not kill." He concluded the Church would continue to play an important role in bringing justice to the afflicted.
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Manila,— The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called for continued search for peace in the face of increasing violence in Southern Philippines.
CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said he would like to see "negotiated" solution to Mindanao conflict to avert further escalation of violence.
Thousands of government troopers were deployed in Sulu and Basilan hunting down Abu Sayyaf extremists accused of killing 14 marines in Basilan last July 10 while searching for kidnapped Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the military to track down the perpetrators.
"The (government) must not make violent moves especially that they don't know who the perpetrators are," said Lagdameo. The CBCP head expressed fears innocent civilians could become involuntary victims of the offensive.
"It was bad enough that Marines suffered. How much more if civilians will suffer?" he asked.
Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal also expressed strong opposition to the increasing tension in Mindanao particularly in Basilan and Sulu provinces.
"We are definitely against any form of violence," he said. The government, Vidal said, must make every effort to work towards peace, beginning with the rejection of violence.
At the height of the military operation, dozens of soldiers were either killed or wounded when clashes erupted again in at least three tows in Sulu.
Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez earlier said that instead of attacking the rebels, the government should find ways to ease the tension in Mindanao.
In an interview with CBCPNews, Bishop Pueblos who also serves Commissioner to the Melo Commission, said the killings have been perpetrated by "vigilantes, " by people out to get even, persons involved in land disputes, partisan politics and groups out to silence political activists.
He said while AFP Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. created five courts martial to attend to soldiers accused of violating Human Rights, they may not have cases to hear as "people may not be able to launch or file complaints."
He said even his fellow Melo Commissioner Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuno agreed with his suggestion to improve the government's witness protection program. "However, Commissioner Zuno said improving the Witness Protection program would mean additional funds as one has to deal with not just with a witness to case but his entire family during the court proceedings, " Bishop Pueblos said.
"As a Church, and as a teacher, we have to respect the rights of every person because each one of us is made according to the image of God," Bishop Pueblos said.
He added "every person has that right from God so we have to respect that to the point nobody is allowed to get the life of the other, everybody is encouraged to protect the life of each other."
He said the 6th commandment is clear, "Thou shall not kill." He concluded the Church would continue to play an important role in bringing justice to the afflicted.
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Church rejects military offensive
Manila,— The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called for continued search for peace in the face of increasing violence in Southern Philippines.
CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said he would like to see "negotiated" solution to Mindanao conflict to avert further escalation of violence.
Thousands of government troopers were deployed in Sulu and Basilan hunting down Abu Sayyaf extremists accused of killing 14 marines in Basilan last July 10 while searching for kidnapped Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the military to track down the perpetrators.
"The (government) must not make violent moves especially that they don't know who the perpetrators are," said Lagdameo. The CBCP head expressed fears innocent civilians could become involuntary victims of the offensive.
"It was bad enough that Marines suffered. How much more if civilians will suffer?" he asked.
Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal also expressed strong opposition to the increasing tension in Mindanao particularly in Basilan and Sulu provinces.
"We are definitely against any form of violence," he said. The government, Vidal said, must make every effort to work towards peace, beginning with the rejection of violence.
At the height of the military operation, dozens of soldiers were either killed or wounded when clashes erupted again in at least three tows in Sulu.
Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez earlier said that instead of attacking the rebels, the government should find ways to ease the tension in Mindanao.
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