Bishop Broderick Pabillo —LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines — A Catholic bishop on Sunday called on the faithful to promote a culture of life amid continuing killings of civilians through the government’s bloody war on drugs.
“We cannot just let others speak while we keep silent. Remember that this is a clash of cultures. Cultures are formed when they are expressed,” said Manila Bishop Broderick Pabillo, adding that people must speak out against the culture of death.
The bishop said the culture of death persisted because the public had chosen to remain silent, as extrajudicial killings continued five years into President Duterte’s term.
“[Extrajudicial killings] continue to this day, but these are often no longer reported because these are no longer news to us; these have become normal and a culture. Let us speak out that this should not be so,” Pabillo said.
Rehabilitation possible
He explained that the culture of life puts prime importance on peace and progress through cooperation and respecting one another while extending help to those in need.
Peace may be achieved simply by communicating with each other, Pabillo said, and all—not just a few “at the expense of the weak and the voiceless”—may benefit from progress.
“The culture of life believes that in everyone, there is goodness that can be brought out. So rehabilitation is possible for all, whether that be drug addicts or criminals or the sick,” he said.
‘A dignified life’
The bishop warned, however, that the culture of life may only be practiced if speaking out against killings was coupled with action by supporting the sick and the needy.
“Let us do our best to give people a dignified life. Death should not reign supreme in a world that God created to share his life,” he said.