Palma: Drug war killings cheapen value of life

CEBU, Philippines - Reacting to the numerous deaths in the campaign against illegal drugs in Luzon the past few days, Cebu Archbishop José Palma lamented that regard for the dignity of the human person has lessened.

He said the deaths are giving the impression that life has become “cheap.”

Saying his words are in no way meant to justify involvement in the illegal drug trade, he said the Catholic teaching speaks of the value of human life, adding that ending a life is never an option in resolving the drug menace.

“Human life is also precious and should not just be dispatched as if that is the best way to address the problem on (illegal) drugs,” he said.

The Catholic Church has proclaimed that human life is sacred and must be respected; thus, killings and murders are highly condemned.

Palma asked that procedures in addressing the drug problem must be observed rightfully and legally.

“If they are killed, how will people know if they are indeed drug peddlers, especially if they are just deemed suspects?” he said.

The prelate said that the Catholic Church is supportive of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, however, this “bloody” anti-drug police operations should be raised as a concern, whether it is the best approach.

Active lay member Fe Barino, who initiated with her family a faith-based drug recovery program, said she was also saddened that the government’s drug war has become “very violent” the past days.

“It seems that the only way to win the war is to kill,” she said.

Her program dubbed SuGod, a contraction of “Surrender to God,” has been adopted by the archdiocese as one of its core programs under the Cebu Archdiocesan Program for Drug Dependents.

“Despite everything that is happening around us…human life is sacred and there is hope for a drug addict to have a better and productive life if he surrenders to God,” Barino said.

Amid the many challenges, she said volunteer workers are not losing faith and are instead strong and enthusiastic in pursuing their activities.

“We are determined to continue this work to help and save drug addicts or people with substance use disorder (for them) to recover and restore their dignity with the people they love,” she said. (FREEMAN)