Activist priest in critical condition

MANILA, Philippines—Activist priest Jose “Joe” P. Dizon, who fought the martial law regime, is now in a critical condition due to complications in the lungs and kidneys.

Dizon, 65, was rushed to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City on Tuesday morning. It was the second time he was hospitalized since he collapsed after the celebration of his 40th year in the priesthood on Oct. 15 in Rosario, Cavite.

In an appeal letter, Solidarity Philippines and the Workers Assistance Center (WAC), a group Dizon founded in 1995, asked for financial support and blood donations in behalf of Dizon, who “we know as one person who doesn’t complain or ask for help,” Sr. Angelita Navarro wrote.

Navarro of Solidarity Philippines and Clergy Discernment Group, of which Dizon was also a convenor, said any donation may be deposited in the bank account of Solidarity Philippines (account name is Solidarity and the Common Good Movement of the Philippines, BPI, Branch UN Pope Pious, account No. 2653-0117-44). Blood donors may contact Cecilia Tuico of WAC at 0916-3073830 or may proceed to the NKTI blood bank. Maricar Cinco, Inquirer Southern Luzon