08/02/2019 Philippines (International Christian Concern) – About 3,000 church workers, students and parishioners from a northern Philippines archdiocese carried placards with messages expressing support for Archbishop Socrates Villegas and other accused church leaders during a July 31 prayerful demonstration, according to UCA News.

The Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan marched in support of church leaders recently accused of conspiring to overthrow President Rodrigo Duterte.

Philippines’ Justice Department is set to open a preliminary investigation into sedition and cyber libel charges against the leaders the week of Aug. 5, which other than Archbishop Villegas, include Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, and retired Bishop Teodoro Bacani Jr. of Novaliches.

Many believe that the clergy were targeted for their criticism against Duterte, who is known for his expletives-laden outbursts against critics, especially those who have raised alarm over his deadly crackdown against illegal drugs, which has killed at least 6,600 mostly petty drug suspects based on police records.

“(We) fervently stand with Archbishop Villegas and other bishops who are being persecuted and falsely accused for standing up against malicious insults to truth, justice, and freedom,” read a statement released by the archdiocese.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila also issued a call today to the clergy and Catholics in Manila to offer Masses and prayers on Aug. 4 for those suffering because of “persecution and false accusations.”

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