Promotion of Church People’s Response (PCPR)



PRESS RELEASE

June 6, 2006



On Killings and Church Persecution



To date there are about 15 churchpeople who have been killed under Gloria

Macapagal Arroyo’s regime. All of them, members of the clergy, church

workers and lay leaders, were active social justice advocates.

Moreover, it is alarming that there are church workers who are receiving

threats like Fr. Renato Respicio, a priest of Iglesia Filipina

Independiente (IFI) , Ms. Angelina Hasa , IFI’s St Jeromme Cathedral

secretary, Pastor Virgilio Perido Sr., and his daughter Pastor Beatriz

Perido of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines(UCCP). It fills us

with dread about the things that will happen to them next after receiving

those chilling messages.

Churchpeople cannot remain silent over this outrageous disrespect of the

sanctity of life. As Christians, we are mandated by our faith to serve

the people and proclaim the gospel of justice, peace and truth. Sadly,

the obedience to this ministry has earned the ire of people who want to

crush the voices of legitimate dissent, those who have resorted to

persecution instead of looking into the causes of discord.

Thus, we condemn the wickedness of the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo regime whose scandalous record of human rights violations reflect the fascist character of its rule. Only a cowardly government can mercilessly inflict suffering and death unto those who have committed themselves to a life of genuine service. We hold the Arroyo regime responsible for the outright violation of life and human rights. On the day of judgment, she will reap the

destruction she has sown when justice and righteousness shall rule in our

nation again.

We pay the highest respect unto the martyrs of the church and the people. As

the good book stated, “God’s faithful people are dragged off and killed and

no one even cares. Evil sweeps them away, but in death they find peace for

obeying God.” (Isaiah 57:1-2)

Lastly, we also call on the churchpeople to be steadfast in their commitment

for the cause of truth, justice, peace and genuine democracy.



Fr. Gerry Sabado, O.Carm

PCPR Spokesperson