Bishop Cortes issues Oratio Imperata, pastoral letter vs killings

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete is scheduled to release today his pastoral letter for the respect, protection and preservation of life during a concelebrated Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

At the same time, the bishop will also release his Oratio Imperata, an urgent prayer, specifically addressed to the community, in response to the spike in shooting incidents in this capital city and in other parts of Negros Oriental.

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria, Negros Oriental Provincial Police OIC director Senior Superitendent Dionard Carlos, Dumaguete Police chief, Supt. Jovito Atanacio, other local officials, law enforcement groups, civil society organizations and the media are invited to the church event to show support to the need for concerted efforts in addressing the growing menace of the illegal drugs trade.

The invitation is also open to the public, especially families of victims of shooting incidents.

Cortes earlier expressed concern over the spate of killings, mostly shooting incidents that he described as already alarming.

While these shooting cases were largely attributed to the illegal drugs trade, the bishop said he believed there is a need to rally against violence and promote the culture of life instead.

Cortes noted that, based on media reports, the police have not solved a single shooting incident and no suspects have been arrested.

Even Sagarbarria had also admitted in previous media interviews that he agreed with the observation of the bishop that the police cannot singlehandedly solve these murders.

The call for a united stand to end violence will be held following the Mass set at 9 a.m. today at the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral in this city. (FREEMAN)