hand and heart

The recent post office troubles have impacted our regular fundraising efforts. Please consider supporting the Register and Catholic journalism by using one of the methods below:

  • Donate online
  • Donate by e-transfer to accounting@catholicregister.org
  • Donate by telephone: 416-934-3410 ext. 406 or toll-free 1-855-441-4077 ext. 406
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is seen with the military in Carmen, Philippines, June 6. The Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines called for an end to martial law in Mindanao, saying it was not the proper response to terrorist attacks in one city on a vast island.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is seen with the military in Carmen, Philippines, June 6. The Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines called for an end to martial law in Mindanao, saying it was not the proper response to terrorist attacks in one city on a vast island. CNS photo/Handout via EPA

Philippine bishop: Marital law makes farce of Independence Day

By 
  • June 12, 2017

MANILA, Philippines – Martial law in the southern Philippines and security forces' clashes with a local terrorist group in Mindanao made a mockery of Independence Day celebrations June 12, said a Philippine bishop.

"As long as there is martial law and unrest in Marawi City, the 'independence' of our nation is a farce," said Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon. His remarks were reported by ucanews.com.

The celebration was marred by protest rallies and demonstrations condemning ongoing clashes in Mindanao and martial law.

Bishop Bastes said by declaring martial law, the government "trample(s) on the freedom of citizens."

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law across the southern region of Mindanao May 23 after a local terrorist organization claiming to have ties with the Islamic State group attempted to occupy Marawi.

"People are not in the mood for celebrating," said the bishop, adding that he supported the demonstrations against the declaration of martial law "in my own little way."

Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga said the crisis in the southern Philippines is a call for all Filipinos to be "more patriotic, to be truly one, and united to love and labor for the good of the country."

"We should work together to build our country, not to break it, to do our best and be a blessing to one another, not to divide nor destroy," he said.

Tagged under:

Related items

More in this category: « Pope, Italian president talk migrants, environment, jobs South African Council of Churches calls for dissolution of parliament »

Please support The Catholic Register

Unlike many media companies, The Catholic Register has never charged readers for access to the news and information on our website. We want to keep our award-winning journalism as widely available as possible. But we need your help.

For more than 125 years, The Register has been a trusted source of faith-based journalism. By making even a small donation you help ensure our future as an important voice in the Catholic Church. If you support the mission of Catholic journalism, please donate today. Thank you.

DONATE