Tagle: Condemn all forms of killings

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle called on Filipinos to uphold the sanctity of life amid the spate of killings in the country.

The archbishop noted that all forms of murder, from vigilante killings of alleged criminals to aborting of babies, must be condemned.

"Many are worried of extrajudicial killings and we should be… But I hope we’re also worried about abortion. Why are only [a] few people speaking out against abortion? That’s also murder," said on Manila Archdiocese-run Radio Veritas last Sunday.

Tagle expressed alarm over the rising number of drug suspects being killed but also urged the public for consistency in protecting life.

"Be consistent to promote whole or integral life. Let us not be selective," Tagle said.

The cardinal stressed that human life is sacred and must be respected and protected at every stage and every condition.

Tagle added that extrajudicial killings and summary executions of drug suspects are not the answer to crimes.

"I know that the big issue nowadays is the spate of killings even those not guilty and the innocent, they say. But whether a person is guilty or not, life should be protected and respected," the cardinal said.

The archbishop also said that a person guilty of a crime should be given a new life and a chance to rise from his old life.

The United Nations earlier called on the Philippine government to put an end to the spate of extrajudicial and vigilante killings amid its anti-drug campaign.

“We call on Philippine authorities to adopt with immediate effect the necessary measures to protect all persons from targeted killings and extrajudicial executions,” said new UN special rapporteur on summary executions Agnes Callamard.

Data from the Philippine National Police showed that over 1,600 drug suspects have been killed since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office. — Patricia Lourdes Viray

READ: UN urges government: Stop extrajudicial killings | CHR: Magnitude of extrajudicial killings in Duterte drug war unseen since 1987