CHR condemns death threats against Caloocan bishop

Pablo Virgilio David

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Sunday condemned the continued threats to the life of Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, which has forced him to restrict his movements.

David, an outspoken critic of the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs, said he had been receiving death threats since last week.

David has earned the ire of President Rodrigo Duterte, who threatened to kill him in November 2018.

The President accused him of being involved in the drug trade and pocketing church collections.

Assault on human dignity

In a statement, CHR spokesperson Jacqueline De Guia reminded the public, including the administration, that “any form of intimidation, harassment and threat to life” is an assault on human dignity and freedom.

David, who was supposed to attend an awarding ceremony for human rights champions at De La Salle University last week, decided to skip the event due to fear for his own safety and that of his colleagues.

The CHR said the statements made against David could “embolden” some Duterte followers to commit atrocious acts against him.

The threat of intimidation, particularly against civil and religious leaders, should be stopped, the CHR said, adding that those who disagree with government policies should be free to do so, without threat of harm.