Extrajudicial killings (EJK), slander against the Church, the lowering of the age of criminal liability, and the implementation of martial law in Mindanao are only some of the issues brought up last January 25 when hundreds of participants from different religious groups, youth groups, Catholic schools, and Lumad students gathered at the Rajah Soliman Plaza for “One Faith, One Nation, and One Voice: A Gathering for Truth, Justice, and Peace” to protest these actions.
Aside from the observance of Bible Month, the day also marks the last day for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Because of this, there was a sense of religious diversity in the event as not only Catholics but also Protestants and members of other Christian organizations attended the gathering.
A call against injustice
De La Salle Philippines President Br. Armin Luistro FSC, in his opening address, implored the audience to consider the injustices they see today, asking “Tama po ba ang pagpatay? Mambastos ng babae? Pagmumura sa simbahan? Tama po ba na gamitin ang pera ng bayan para sa fake news? Tama bang sabihin na ang lahat ng problema natin ay lahat galing sa droga? Gagalaw lang ba tayo kapag ang pamilya natin ay apektado?” Luistro ended his speech by urging the crowd to reflect upon these questions as they set the tone for the remainder of the event.
(Is it right to kill? Insult women? Curse at the Church? Is it right to spend public funds to propagate fake news? Is it right to say that our problems are rooted on drugs? Are we only going to act if our family is the one affected?)
One of the speakers at the event, Fr. Flavie Villanueva, shared his own experiences related to drugs, admitting that he had taken marijuana during his younger years. According to his accounts, at the time, he felt the need to look for other drugs while also hiding his addiction from his parents. Drugs became part of his life for many years until he decided to reform himself. He later entered priesthood and is now helping former drug pushers as they undergo reformative programs. Drawing from his testimony and transformation, Villanueva emphasized that “there is a solution to our country’s drug problem. Killing people isn’t it.”
As Sorsogon Bishop Rev. Arturo Bastes addressed the crowd, he reminded the participants that all life should be preserved–but “due to the actions of the Duterte administration, Filipinos have suffered.” Thus, Bastes asked the participants to “act as a prophet” within their own circles and deliver the right message to those around them.
As more bishops, members of the clergy, and representatives from religious groups address the crowd, Sister May Mananzan concluded by saying, “The Filipino people must not stay quiet in light of injustice. The Filipino people must not be shy to speak up against the government. The Filipino people must never give up hope, and if there is no justice, there is no real freedom.”
As a symbolic gesture of their refusal to stay quiet, participants were asked to shout in unison, while bells were rung and whistles were blown.
Those who suffer
“Martial Law sa Mindanao, Ibasura!” and “Save Lumad Schools” were only some of the banners held by Lumad students as they shared their testimonies to the crowd. One Lumad student shared that they are the most affected by the imposition of martial law.
According to their testimonies, 73 schools had been closed, people have lost their jobs, classmates or relatives were killed since it was enacted. With a strong voice, the Lumad representative said that she came to Manila not for leisure but to fight for all Filipinos suffering.
A performance from the DLSU Harlequin Theatre Guild was also presented, highlighting the injustices brought about by EJKs occurring in the administration’s drug war. Meanwhile, performers from the Aglipay Central Theological School and Theatro Ekyunomical also showcased their talents by performing religious pieces.
After the event concluded, a “human chain” was formed along Roxas Boulevard as a way of continuing the fight against injustice.
