The Philippines' Catholic Church has assailed President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs for creating a "reign of terror" among the poor.
A relative at the wake of an alleged drug user, who unidentified gunmen killed in Manila in January. Photo: AFP
More than 7,600 people have been killed since Mr Duterte launched his anti-drugs campaign seven months ago. Thousands have died in what the police said were shootouts during raids and sting operations. Thousands more have died in vigilante killings or hired hits.
Mr Duterte has previously likened his willingness to slaughter drug addicts to Adolf Hitler's massacre of European Jews during World War II and claimed he personally carried out extra-judicial killings.
In its most strongly-worded attack on Mr Duterte's crackdown on drug suspects, the Catholic Bishops' Conference said in a letter that killing people was not the answer to the trafficking of illegal drugs.
Priests read out the letter, which was signed by the nation's bishops, at mass services on Saturday evening. The message will be repeated to congregations across the country on Sunday.
Relatives cry as coroners carry away the body of an alleged drug dealer, who was killed during a drug bust in Manila in January. Photo: AFP
Their address did not mention Duterte by name, but urged "elected politicians to serve the common good of the people and not their own interests" and called for steps to tackle "rogue policemen and corrupt judges".
"An even greater cause of concern is the indifference of many to this kind of wrong. It is considered as normal, and, even worse, something that [according to them] needs to be done," the letter said.
"An additional cause of concern is the reign of terror in many places of the poor. Many are killed not because of drugs. Those who kill them are not brought to account," they said.
The bishops said "every person has a right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty" and the law should be followed.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte likens his willingness to slaughter drug addicts to Adolf Hitler's massacre of European Jews during World War II and claims he personally carried out extra-judicial killings. Photo: AFP
The Philippines is Asia's biggest Catholic nation. Nearly 80 percent of its 100 million people are Catholic and, unlike in many other countries where the faith has waned, the majority practise with enthusiasm.
While that support has historically given the church significant political and social clout, it has been hesitant to criticise the blunt-spoken president's war on drugs.
The government and police have strenuously denied extra-judicial killings took place. The president's office had no immediate comment on the bishops' letter.
Mr Duterte has routinely attacked the church. He cursed the Pope for causing traffic snarl-ups during his 2015 visit, and, this week, called for a "showdown" with priests whom he has accused of having wives, engaging in homosexual acts, misusing state funds and molesting children.
- Reuters
