Root causes

The Church, the CBCP said, would continue to speak against evil even as “we acknowledge and repent our own shortcomings.”

Every person has a right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and such process must be followed, especially by agents of the law, the CBCP said.

“We cannot correct a wrong by doing another wrong. A good purpose is not a justification for using evil means. It is good to remove the drug problem, but to kill in order to achieve this is also wrong,” the prelates said.

They also expressed belief that the root causes of the drug problem and criminality are widespread poverty, broken families and corruption in society.

“The step we have to take is to overcome poverty, especially through the giving of permanent work and sufficient wages to workers. Let us strengthen and carry forward the unity and love of the family members,” the pastoral letter added.

Priority must be given to reforming rogue policemen and corrupt judges, and also for elected government officials to serve the common good, the CBCP said.

Church leaders vowed to continue efforts to help the poor, like livelihood, education and health programs.

“We will help drug addicts so that they may be healed and start a new life. We will stand in solidarity and care for those left behind by those who have been killed and for the victims of drug addicts. Let us renew our efforts to strengthen families,” the CBCP said.