Poll flags doubts on drug war; cops seek CBCP help

AMID THE increasing controversy over President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s drug war, some law enforcers have turned to the Catholic Church to seek help and “have expressed their desire to come out in the open about their participation in extrajudicial killings and summary executions,” according to a statement by the Archbishop of Lingayen- Dagupan on Monday, Oct. 2.

Meanwhile, the latest results, released on Monday, from the June 23-26 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey indicate that three out of five Filipinos agree that only poor drug pushers are killed, while three out of four say Mr. Duterte should divulge his list of drug personalities and charge them in court.

‘SANCTUARY’

“Law enforcers have come forward confidentially to us, their spiritual leaders, to seek sanctuary, succor and protection,” Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas said in the statement published in the Web site of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). “Their consciences are troubling them,” he added.

“We will look prudently into the security of their motives and the veracity of their stories. Within the bounds of Church and civil laws, we express our willingness to grant them accommodation, shelter, and protection (including their families if necessary),” the Archbishop added.

“If such law enforcers wish to testify, then the Catholic Church will see to it they are in no way induced to speak, to disclose nor to make allegations by any member of the clergy of the hierarchy. Statement, especially in the form of affidavits and depositions, must be made with the assistance of competent independent counsel,” Archbishop Villegas said, adding that, “If their preference is to stay with us in the Church, they will not be turned over to the State under its own witnessprotection program.”

He also admonished “our priests... to refrain from discussing with “asylum- seekers” the contents of their testimonies and depositions. It is furthermore recommended that volunteer lawyers, preferably those who belong to alternative law groups, assist the witness and also readily affirm that no member of the clergy instructed, directed, and couched the testimonies they give.”

“But when they so decide or opt to identify themselves and to testify, every means must be provided for a fair, accurate and unconstrained or unrestrained testimony that may be used in evidence,” the statement also read. — with