Priest calls for active non-violence against killings, culture of impunity

Amid the spate of killings, including three priests in the last six months, an official of the Catholic Church on Thursday called on all the citizens to show "outrage" through "active non-violence" against what he considered as a culture of impunity in the country.

Church-run Radyo Veritas president Father Anton Pascual, who is also executive director of Caritas Manila, said that Filipinos must unite in "just outrage" against the continued killings in our midst and the wanton disregard and violation of human rights, with perpetrators going free from punishment.

In an interview on Radyo Veritas, Pascual said Filipinos must face the situation with respect for one another, and together, find peaceful means towards "win-win" solutions to the problems that plague the country.

He pointed out that, "Palaging may solusyon sa problema kung bukas at may tiwala ang bawat isa sa tunay na diwa ng active non-violence."

Pascual dismissed passivity as well as violence as solutions to the problem, exhorting honest dialogue between opposing parties.

He cited India's Mahatma Gandhi, the founder of "Actice NonViolence or AHIMSA," who rejected revolution and all forms of violence in obtaining freedom for his people.

Also, he cited St. John Paul II's approach of active non-violence in helping free Poland, and the Filipinos' EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986.

Pascual took particular notice of the slays of Father Marcelito Paez of the Diocese of San Jose Nueva Ecija, Father Mark Ventura of the Arcdiocese of Tuguegarao, Father Richmond Nilo of the Diocese of Cabanatuan,  and the shooting of Father Rey Urmentera of the Diocese of San Pablo, who survived the attack.

He also mentioned the continued killings of drug suspects in the government's war against illegal drugs, as well as the killings of journalists, indigenous peoples, and the rampant  violation of human rights. 

In rejecting violence, Pascual said, "Violence begets violence."

He enjoined Filipinos to do "Silent protests" such as prayer meetings, public discussion, circles of discernment, prayer rallies, and petitions against some government policies.

Also, he asked Filipinos to wear black on Friday in silent protest and mourning for Fr. Richmond Nilo, whose remains will be brought to his final resting place in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija. 

"Magsuot tayo ng itim na damit sa June 16 sa araw ng libing ni Father Nilo bilang silent protest laban sa culture of impunity sa bansa," he said.  —LBG, GMA News