Philippine's bishops tell police: 'stop violence, uphold rule of law'

The Church in Philippines observed “Lord Heal Our Land Sunday”  on Nov 5, to pray for victims of extrajudicial killings.

President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Archbishop Socrates Villegas participated in a march with thousands of worshippers in Manila and called on the police and troops to stop the violence.

Preaching during the  Mass held at  the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Edsa Shrine in Quezon city,  the Archbishop urged the  country’s military and police to stop the violence, drug-related killings, and adhere to the rule of law. He said both institutions must aim at justice rather than revenge in the battle against crime and lawlessness. He made them aware of their duty to serve their countrymen and to obey and return to God. 

The “heal the nation” campaign brought many people at the Edsa Shrine on Sunday to pray for peace. Masses for the same intention were also held in the provinces for people who were not able to go to the Edsa Shrine.

The Lord Heal Our Land Sunday started another month-long period of praying for victims of extrajudicial killings.  The period will end on December 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.