UCA News
Contribute

Philippine police chief Bible bashes church leaders

Ronald dela Rosa hits out at church criticism of police using Bibles, rosaries as props in raids on drug suspects
Philippine police chief Bible bashes church leaders

Director General Ronald dela Rosa, Philippine national police chief, has lashed out at priests and bishops who criticized the reported use of Bibles and rosaries as props in the government's re-launched anti-narcotics war. (Photo by Angie de Silva)

Published: February 06, 2018 09:47 AM GMT
Updated: February 06, 2018 09:48 AM GMT

The Philippines' national police chief has attacked Catholic Church leaders who described the government's latest anti-narcotics campaign as "mere theatrics."

Policemen are reportedly showing Bibles and rosaries to drug suspects when they raid their homes in the hope they can persuade them to give themselves up quietly so the police cannot be accused of human rights abuses.

Church leaders, however, warned the police not to use the Bible and the rosary as props.

"Using those religious items during police operations is good only for theatrics," said Father Jerome Secillano of the Catholic bishops' public affairs committee.

National police chief Ronald dela Rosa argued that the bishops and priests have no monopoly on the Bible and the rosary.

"Just because you are bishops and priests doesn't mean you are the only ones allowed to carry Bibles and rosaries," he said in media briefing on Feb. 5.

"You don't have a monopoly of the Roman Catholic religion," he added.

Bishop Pablo Virgillo David of Kalookan said the police should instead focus on resolving drug-related killings over the past months.

"Resolving the countless 'deaths under investigation' might be more necessary than [re-launching the anti-narcotics] campaign," said the prelate.

The government has announced that policemen will also be using cameras during anti-illegal drug operations

Stricter guidelines for anti-illegal drug operatives were released after President Rodrigo Duterte allowed the police back into the government's anti-narcotics war following a barrage of complaints against the force over an alleged shoot to kill policy. 

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia