2 MIN READ

By SHERWIN DE VERA
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Church people vocal on social issues are in greater peril with the implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (RA 11479), said National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) Secretary-General Bishop Reuel Marigza.

“Even without the law, these [rights violations and red-tagging] are already happening. That is why church people who speak against bad policies and standing for human rights are more at risk now,” the bishop explained in Ilokano.

Marigza, a bishop of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), spoke during the July 17 media briefing on the law’s impacts on human rights and indigenous people’s struggles.

The NCCP leader cited the case of UCCP Pastor Marcelino Mariano and his family. The military accused the pastor, his wife, and his daughter as members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“The military accuses them of being rebels because of their involvement with people’s organizations and issues in the region. They (army) have been visiting the pastor in his church assignment and talking to church council members to pressure him to leave the organization and advocacy,” Marigza said.

The bishop added that recently, members of the military have gone to Pugo town in La Union, where Mariano and his family reside. He said the soldiers are telling local officials and community members that the Mariano’s are rebel recruiters.

Spares no denomination

According to Marigza, Mariano is not the sole member of the UCCP accused of propagating communist’s ideology. He stressed that the government spares no denomination from suspicion and red-tagging.

According to him, they received and recorded red-tagging incidents against church workers by government forces. He said those labeled as supporters or members of the communist rebels are from different Christian denominations.

He also noted that other denominations, like the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, are under threat.

Last February, soldiers from the 81st Infantry Battalion tagged IFI members and leaders in Ilocos Norte as NPA supporters. Among those named by soldiers were Rev. Rogelio Molina and his wife, and Bishop Emely Dacuycuy of the Diocese of Batac.

In the same period, suspected state agents littered roads with posters tagging Catholic clergies in Cagayan Valley. Among those named was retired Archbishop Sergio Utleg of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.

Earlier, Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao of the Diocese of Bayombong also expressed apprehensions on the new measure. He said the diocese could not support a policy that endangers the rights and freedom of the people.

“I, together with the clergy of the Diocese of Bayombong, decry this law as it is prone to abuse and will threaten our undeniable rights and freedom of expression, of speech, and due process of law,” he said in a statement.

“Like Jesus”

Marigza urged the religious community, especially those who are experiencing threats and harassment, to continue their advocacy.

The bishop reminded his colleagues “the Lord gave this work, so we should continue working for human rights and social justice.” He added that authorities also persecuted and punished Jesus for preaching the truth and justice.

“Like him, we should be strong and faithful to our work despite the risk,” he said.

Marigza is one of the signatories of the petition challenging the constitutionality of the anti-terror law before the Supreme Court.

The House of Representatives passed the controversial measure last June. It was transmitted it for the president’s signature by the leaders of both Houses as several lawmakers started retracting their ‘yes’ votes. President Duterte signed the law on July 3. According to the Department of Justice and took effect on July 18. # nordis.net