San José seminarians hit Duterte’s drug war
Jesuit-run San José Seminary, one of the country's leading schools of theology, lambasted the “merciless and senseless” killings in President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
“We […] will not forget the merciless and senseless deaths brought about by this drug campaign,” the seminarians said in a statement of commitment on Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day.
The seminarians said they promote the programs of the Church that support the victims of drugs and those who are affected of the killings.
“We commit ourselves to promoting the Church’s programs for rehabilitation of the victims of drugs, and the Church’s support of those affected by these killings,” the statement read.
“We will not forget the blatant disregard for the dignity of life and the violation of human rights. We will not forget the violence and the lack of due process. We will not forget the evil that has come upon us,” the seminarians added.
The seminarians cited the tolling of the De Pofundis bells, called by the bishops, to summon people to pray and act for the dead.
“The bells call us to remember, and call us to action – a clarion call to solidarity, with the families of those who have died, with a people who seek justice and peace,” the statement read.
“The bells call us not to forget the dead. And thus, we will not forget,” the seminarians added.
The seminarians also vowed to uphold unity without the limitations of “parties and colors” and to exercise vigilance on examining the posts on social media that showed hints of misunderstandings.