The Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (LAIKO) grieves with the entire Catholic Church over the violent death of Father Richmond V. Nilo and the other Catholic priests. They were murdered while performing their sacred vow of tending to the flock. The trend of successive execution- style killings of Catholic priests is alarming.
We are saddened that such killings are being blamed on indiscretion on the part of the priests, thus discounting the real motives for these executions. It is no secret that these priests were involved in campaigns against human rights violations, abuse of the environment and various other advocacies that hurt the interests of those holding positions of power.
As the Council of Catholic lay organizations, we have joined our voices with the entire Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines, in standing up for the defense of every person’s fundamental right to live. Long before the massive deaths under the present administration, we have held fast to this belief and we have consistently opposed and resisted any government policy and legislation that threaten human life.
On several occasions we have heard the President curse and maligne the Catholic hierarchy because the latter boldly challenged the present administration to be accountable for the loss of human lives due to the conduct of the anti- drug war. We cannot help but ask if the execution of our priests is a reaction because the Church has given voice to the victims of this regime’s impunity and disregard for life.
As we are saddened and angered with this turn of events, we believe that human vengeance will not satisfy God’s justice. The cry of the poor and the blood of His priests rise up to high heavens as petitions for His mercy to come upon His people.
We pray as a people with our leaders that, together, we continue to work for the renewal of the Church and society towards unity and peace in our land.
For the LAIKO Board of Directors,
MA. JULIETA F. WASAN
President
Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas
Noted:
+ MOST REV. BRODERICK S. PABILLO, D.D.
Chairman
CBCP-Episcopal Commission on the Laity
June 16, 2018
