Aglipayans call for Aquino resignation over Mamasapano incident

The Iglesia Filipino Independiente (Aglipayan church) on Tuesday called on President Benigno Aquino III to step down from office, saying he has lost his "credibility and integrity" in the wake of the incident that killed 44 Special Action Force troopers in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.

IFI officials made their stand known Tuesday in Iloilo City, GMA Iloilo reported on Wednesday.

"Sambayanang kailangang magkaisa sa mga panawagan, hindi lamang simbahan ng La Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Even ang mga ibang mga sektor na merong concern sa buhay at kabuhayan ng mga sambayanan," said IFI Bohol bishop Santiago Azaula.

The IFI is planning a "Kalbaryo" on March 26 in Iloilo City, to call for "truth."

But the IFI also frowned on the prospect of Vice President Jejomar Binay replacing Aquino, saying Binay has also been dragged into controversies.

"Very difficult to make. Very concrete to make na suggestions of how to... to select the successor of the President," said IFI Obispo Maximo Ephraim Fajutagana.

The IFI warned of protest actions if Aquino does not heed its call.

"March 26, meron tayong gaganapin na kalbaryo sa mga residente ng syudad ng Iloilo at pangungunahan ito ng mga seminarians for truth," said vicar general for Iloilo Marco Sulayao.

Statement

In a statement posted on its website, the IFI called for Aquino's resignation following a meeting of its bishops in Surigao del Sur last Feb. 16 to 19.

In the statement, the IFI said the people’s confidence in Aquino "is plummeting as a national crisis embroils the nation over the carnage in Mamasapano, Maguindanao."

The religious group said the "botched police operation" was "clearly a part of the US’ global 'war on terror.'”

Also, it scored Aquino for allegedly "fleeing from any accountability over the Mamasapano bloodbath," likening him to Pontius Pilate.

"He is not only running away from his misdeeds but is also deliberately keeping the truth from the people. President Aquino’s attempts to evade accountability from the tragedy that took a great toll among the lives of our countrymen mimics the very way Pontius Pilate washed his hands to exonerate himself from the murder of the Lord Jesus Christ," it said.

"We believe that the Filipino people have no need for a President who lies and butchers peace and sovereignty in the name of subservience to the US. The people are demanding President Aquino to step down from office as a just penance for his transgression. We are one with them," the IFI said.

"We are convinced that President Benigno Aquino III has completely lost his credibility and integrity. He no longer has the legal and moral authority to lead our people," it added.

The IFI also said the Filipino people have the sovereign right to remove a president "who is not only incompetent to lead the country, but is also guilty in betraying their aspiration for justice and peace."

It supported the creation of a People’s Council that will "oversee the institution of meaningful reforms and will prepare for the election of the country’s next president."

Also, the IFI said in its statement that Aquino’s “matuwid na daan” has so far led the nation to nowhere.

"Instead, bureaucratic corruption and plunder has worsened, human rights violations remain unabated, peace negotiations in the country is constantly undermined, and a war on terror against people advocating for genuine change is being waged," it said.

The group added Aquino "has no sense of accountability, has no respect for truth and has no regard for justice."

Signing the statement were Obispo Maximo Ephraim Fajutagana, Supreme Council of Bishops secretary Antonio Ablon; and president Rhee Timbang. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News