ICC Note:

The Church in the Philippines takes a stand against the order of President Duterte to kill drug dealers. Archbishop  Ledesma noted that “We cannot solve a crime by committing another crime.” Therefore, the Church has joined local authorities to support a program for the rehabilitation of addicts, instead of  endorsing the President’s verdict. Although the Church is not specialized in rehabilitating drug addicts, they are offering encouragement and strength to the individuals through counseling, spiritual healing, and use of their parish halls and educational centers. Despite great persecution in Southeast Asia, this community of believers is joining together to bring positive change to their society.

09/28/2016 Philippines (Asia News) – The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, southern Philippines, has joined local authorities to support a programme for the rehabilitation for addicts.

For Mgr Antonio Ledesma, the local archbishop, the Church can provide spiritual support even though it is not equipped for this sort of activity. At the same time, he condemned the summary executions of drug dealers and addicts since one crime cannot be countered by another.

The reference is to the “zero tolerance” policy against drug trafficking promised by President Duterte in the recent election campaign that has turned into a bloodbath for suspected criminals after his victory at the polls.

More than 3,000 people are known to have died. Some civil society groups say the number is twice as high. No investigations have been launched against police or vigilantes who often fire on unarmed people.

The national police chief has even urged addicts to set fire to the homes of drug lords, saying that they would have impunity. In his view, they are victims who should not be punished.

Archbishop Ledesma said the ‘Coalition for a Drug-free Society’ was formed with the City of Cagayan de Oro, the Department of Health, and various civil society groups in order to raise awareness of the harm drugs cause and to rehabilitate those who use them.

The prelate said the coalition’s advocacy has three main components, namely prevention, intervention, and community support. The Church can do its part in this area.

“The Church will [take part in] the community support because we do not have the facilities for scientific rehabilitation,” Mgr Ledesma explained.

In fact, “we can give community support in terms of counseling, spiritual healing, and also making available our parish halls and educational centers.”

Referring to the crackdown, the archbishop also noted that “We cannot solve a crime by committing another crime”.

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