CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma believes that a "culture of impunity" is now being felt in Cebu after numerous unsolved killings.
During the diocese-wide "Salamat Padre" celebration yesterday, the 68-year-old Cebu prelate said he is saddened by the numerous killings that have occurred in the Archdiocese, nearly all of which have not been solved and whose perpetrators remain unidentified.
"As if wala na'y value ang kinabuhi, nga bisag ang tawo nga gidudahan lang sa usa ka krimen, patyon lang ug dali-dali (As if life no longer has value, those who are believed though not yet proven to have done something criminal are killed quickly). Why do we take justice in our own hands?" Archbishop Palma said.
Impunity defined
From July 2 to Aug. 2, 2018, at least 28 people were shot and killed in Cebu.
Now that the unsolved killings have put the country in a bad light, Palma challenged the national government to restore the rule of law.
"The killings are only creating a bad picture of the country and will only bring sadness and tears to the families left behind," the archbishop said.
One United Nations definition of impunity is that of "the impossibility of bringing the perpetrators of human rights violations to account, whether in criminal, civil, administrative or disciplinary proceedings, since they are not subject to any inquiry that might lead to them being accused, arrested, tried, and if found guilty, sentenced to appropriate penalties, and to making reparations to their victims."
Archbishop Palma led a concelebrated mass organized by the Commission on the Laity that aimed to honor priests for their efforts in bringing faith to their communities.
Thanking priests and lay workers
The mass, held in the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, was one of the main activities of the "Salamat Padre" event organized by the commission.
The diocese-wide celebration took place a day after the feast day of St. John Vianney, who is regarded as the patron saint of priests.
In his message, Archbishop Palma reminded the faithful of the importance of priests in the community and of their role as shepherds.
He thanked the lay people for cherishing and supporting their priests. He also thanked the families of priests who nurtured the gift of faith in their sons.
Concerning attacks on the clergy, Archbishop Palma said criticisms against priests will always be there.
"We all know that in the time of Christ, that even those who did good were attacked. In every age and every place, there will always be attacks on the clergy," Palma said. He reminded lay workers that while priests are not perfect, they can focus on the good things being done, not just on the faults. (JKV)