“While it is the prime duty of the Aquino government to protect Pope Francis and ensure his safety and security, we fear that these so-called security measures will also be used to keep the Pope away from the people, especially those who would want him to know what ails in this country,” Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said.
“While it is the prime duty of the Aquino government to protect Pope Francis and ensure his safety and security, we fear that these so-called security measures will also be used to keep the Pope away from the people, especially those who would want him to know what ails in this country,” Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said.
"There are legitimate issues and concerns that the Filipino people would want the Pope to know. These are issues that BS Aquino would not address but the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will try to hide these through massive troop deployment,” she added.
Palabay raised the concern as the AFP Chief Gregorio Catapang announced the deployment of some 17,000 soldiers for His Holiness’ visit on the 15th to the 20th of the month, aside from the 20,000 members of the Philippine National Police.
"The massive deployment of troops and policemen is an antithesis of the spirit of the Pope’s visit, although it bespeaks of the essence of this government,” said Palabay. “This is ‘once in a lifetime event’ for the Filipino people and we do not want soldiers in their shadows. The people’s message might not reach Pope Francis.”
"For one, we would want Pope Francis to know the wishes of the political prisoners for him to intercede for their release, especially the elderly and the sick. Relatives of political prisoners and human rights advocates hope that we will be able to convey this message to Pope Francis," Palabay added.
Political prisoners and their relatives, as well as kin of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, have also written letters to Pope Francis calling for his support for justice and peace.
"Hindi maiiwasang maglabas ng sama ng loob ang mga Pilipino at iparinig ito kay Pope Francis dahil hindi sila pinakikinggan ng sarili nilang gobyerno. Bilang pinuno ng simbahang Katoliko, idinadaing nila sa Santo Papa ang mga paghihirap nila,(We can’t help but turn to Pope Francis because the government does not heed the victims call for justice, they would want him to hear their woes,)" Palabay said. ###