CBCP urged to open churches, parishes to typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines - A fisherfolk group on Wednesday appealed to the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines to open their churches and parishes to accommodate tens of thousands of flood and disaster victims of typhoon Pablo.

Pamalakaya Chairperson Fernando Hicap appealed to top CBCP leadership which comprises of 117 archbishops and bishops to declare local chuches, seminar houses, convents and parishes in Mindanao and other Pablo-devastated areas as sanctuaries to accommodate thousands of families who should be evacuated and given temporary shelter until the flood subsides in their respective areas.

“We appeal to CBCP President Jose Palma to instruct the archdioceses and dioceses, social action centers, local churches and parishes in opening the gates of heaven for those who need protection and shelter of the Church,” Hicap said.

Hicap requested the opening of churches and other church-based establishments in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Sibugay, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Palawan, Bohol, siquijor, Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique, Aklan and Capiz.