By Leslie Aquino
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza has called on the government anew to prioritize addressing the unsolved killings and violence happening in the country, especially in Negros island.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos (CBCP / MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement, he said it was an opportune moment for the Philippine National Police (PNP) officials to bring back the trust of the people by investigating the killings, pursuing the criminals, and ending any act of participatory crimes.
Alminaza said the fulfillment of their duty of service, honor, and justice that positively contributes to the restoration of the civilized society would be their best publicity.
"We don’t want our police and military forces to be perceived as 'goons' of government officials, unresponsive to the calls of investigation and 'pawns' of oppressive police officials," he said.
"We would rather recommend to our police forces to patrol the streets in view of safeguarding the safety of our people from crimes and any act of violence; to professionally solve cases of violence and crimes; to respond to civil needs and duties; and to implement the law, order and justice," added Alminaza.
The prelate also called on the country's senators and other elected officials to push for legislation and programs that pursue social justice and inclusive development.
It is saddening, Alminaza said, that instead of fostering a favorable climate for integral peace, there have been contrary actions of various government entities such as: filing sedition charges against bishops and priests; proposing to restore the anti-subversion law and the death penalty; and accusing youth activist organizations of kidnapping and terrorism.
"We urge them to refrain from divisive moves such as red-tagging of bishops, priests, and members of the civil society," he said.
Alminaza added that the proposal for the restoration of the anti-subversion law and the death penalty is also not helpful.
"Such laws have been proven ineffective in deterring heinous crimes, but instead have caused abject misery on the society’s poorest and most vulnerable," he said.