Police behind drug killings seek Catholic Church protection

Troubled by their consciences, police officials who claimed to be involved in the extrajudicial killings in the drug war of President Rodrigo Duterte surfaced and asked for protection and sanctuary from the Catholic Church, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said.

“Law enforcers have come forward confidentially to us, their spiritual leaders, to seek sanctuary, succor and protection. They have expressed their desire to come out in the open about their participation in extrajudicial killings and summary executions,” Villegas said in a statement.

Villegas also said they will carefully go through the authenticity of the claims of the cops and assured the Church’s assistance.

“We will look prudently into the sincerity of their motives and the veracity of their stories. Within the bounds of Church and civil laws, we express our willingness to grant them accommodation, shelter and protection (including their families if necessary). The hospitality, comfort and acceptance that they seek from the Church will be attended to. Whatever we do to the least of our brethren we do to Christ,” Villegas said.

DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 10/ 03 /17