Press Statement
NASSA/Caritas Philippines
February 10, 2020
“The duty of the governments since the very beginning is to safeguard the welfare, rights and dignity of its peoples – the same mandate instituted and is being upheld by the Catholic Church. This meant that regardless of economic status, race, belief, religion and political affiliations, especially in times of dire need, the Church will not close its eyes and ears against a suffering soul.”
“Pope Francis has been challenging us constantly to give mercy and compassion, not just for those alike us, but more so for those different from us: “No amount of ‘peace-building’ will be able to last, nor will harmony and happiness be attained, in a society that ignores, pushes to the margins, or excludes a part of itself; it loses something essential.” (The Church of Mercy)
“Our very first National Director, Bishop Julio Labayen has urged us to always look upon the most vulnerable who can only be found in the impoverished, isolated communities.”
“Therefore, we go where the need is great and the presence of those who serve is less.”
“It is in this premise that we at NASSA/Caritas Philippines, the Catholic Church’s social action arm, strongly supports and firmly stands in solidarity with all the church groups maliciously and unfairly red-tagged by the different elements of government, and call on a more judicious exercise of power so as to see things in the light of unbiased action and truthful judgement.”
“We believe that such actions, mostly deemed to weaken the Church’s presence on-ground, does not only jeopardize the purposeful steps made towards peace, education and development, but haphazardly discriminates the poor of their rights towards community building and sustainable progress.”
“Thus we call on everyone to initiate or positively respond to invitations for dialogue to resolve differences and improve opportunities of working together to attain lasting peace and development, especially in the peripheries.”
“Let us not be blinded by numbers and targets. Instead, let us find mutual grounds to indemnify the damages caused by hate and indifference so our people will be able to already enjoy a truly peaceful community life.”
“We, at NASSA/Caritas Philippines, will continue to condemn acts of indignation, discrimination and unfair use of power that will demean the poor and the vulnerable. We will exert all efforts and resources to contribute to the restoration of mutual respect and justice, so all will co-exist in harmony and peace.”
For NASSA/Caritas Philippines,
Most Rev. JOSE COLIN M. BAGAFORO
National Director
