Diocese of Dumaguete condemns killing spree

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) of the St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish of the Diocese of Dumaguete has issued a statement condemning the series of killings in the city, many of which have not been solved to this day.

During its regular meeting Sunday afternoon, the PPC, headed by City Administrator William Ablong, issued the statement “unequivocally denouncing the recurring shooting incidents in Dumaguete City.”

In January alone, four people were “executed.” This was in addition to the 32 unsolved murders committed last year, said Ablong.

The statement was signed by more than 20 PPC members, including Ablong himself, Msgr. Julius Heruela, rector of the St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish and City Councilor Joe Kenneth Arbas, among others,

It reads, “The defense of human rights and human dignity must itself be just. It has to be impartial, irrespective of religious beliefs or ideology.”

The group also appealed to law enforcers to uphold the laws and fully enforce the law on loose firearms and illegal drugs. “We call for an impartial and comprehensive investigation of the incidents and their swift and just resolution. We pray and seek justice for all victims of extra-judicial killings,” the statement further read.

Police officials have repeatedly disclosed that most of the killings in Dumaguete were due to turf wars between two groups engaged in the illegal drugs trade.

The call of the Parish Pastoral Council comes as public perception is rising over the seemingly indifferent attitude of the community, the Church and other sectors on the so-called summary executions in Dumaguete which police authorities have attributed to the illegal drugs problem.

Meanwhile, the Diocesan Organization of Renewal Movements and Communities (DORMC) will spearhead a Walk-for-Life on February 25 around the streets of Dumaguete.

Heruela said the activity is aimed at drumming up awareness and pushing for advocacy to protect and preserve human life and human dignity. This will coincide also with the Church’s observance of February as a pro-life month.

Heruela called on various sectors of society to participate in the Walk-for-Life in the afternoon of February 25, which shall be followed by a prayer rally and candle lighting ceremony at the Quezon Park. –(FREEMAN)