Filipino activist priest's 'bike for peace' will be his last

Joe Torres, Manila

"Running priest" Father Robert Reyes (right) sends off Redemptorist Father Amado Picardal (left) at the start of the priest's bike ride across the Philippines on March 14. (Photo by Vincent Go)

The protest ride across the Philippines of activist priest Amado Picardal might be his last. The 64-year-old priest will live the rest of his life in solitude and silence as a hermit.

The Redemptorist priest, who has been dubbed the biking priest for his penchant to take long distance bicycle rides to dramatize his advocacies, said he is already getting old.

I am already a senior citizen, said Father Picardal, adding that his bike advocacy may not make a difference because he is just a tiny voice and a mere point of light in the dark.

He expressed hope, however, that whatever small acts he did will awaken the conscience of the nation and bring about goodness and decency in our country.

The priest's 15-day Bike for Peace and Life, which started in Manila on March 14, aims to dramatize his call for an end to extrajudicial killings in the country.

He also calls for the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and communist rebels and the end to military rule in the southern region of Mindanao.

The Redemptorist priest said he embarked on the 1,500 kilometer journey fully aware of the risks and the danger he is facing.

I am aware that I too can be a target of extrajudicial killing, said Father Picardal. He recalled how he survived imprisonment and torture during the years of martial law.

But he said he will not cower in fear nor back down. I believe that there is still goodness and humanity within each one no matter how sinful, he said.

Father Picardal said there were hired killers who have gone through a process of conversion.

The priest said he is saddened that many poor people have died in the government's war against illegal drugs.

Killings as a strategic component of this war on drugs has been proven to be ineffective, Father Picardal said.

He said the only solution to the country's drug problem is the healing and rehabilitation of drug addicts.

The problem of poverty, violence, dysfunctional families, psychological trauma and alienation that breed addiction should be addressed, said the priest.

He said the killings, war against communist rebels and the martial law in Mindanao will not solve the basic problems of our people.

I make this appeal to all concerned, especially to President Rodrigo Duterte, the police, and the military to stop the killing and start the healing, he said.

The priest made his first bike for peace across the country in 2000.

In 2006 and 2008, he again took his bike and went around Mindanao to campaign for peace. Six years later, he again crossed the country in his bike to raise awareness about the threats of climate change.