Catholic bishops say killings does not justify priests carrying guns

June 25, 2018

Catholic bishops said killings of three priests in six months does not justify clergymen asking permission from the police to use guns.

In a statement Monday, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Archbishop Romulo Valles said: “I am very much aware of the day-to-day dangers to our life these days, especially with the killing of three priests in recent months. Together with other reported killings, we are most disturbed and deeply saddened by the death of these priests. We have strongly condemned these killings.”

“But still to me, it does not warrant at all that priests carry firearms,” he added.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) last week said it has received at least applications from 188 Catholic priests and 58 ministers from other religious sects for permits to carry firearms outside residence. The PNP did not say if these have been approved.

The CBCP chief challenged police to fulfill their duties.

“We pray for them and challenge them to do their very best in this very difficult and demanding task of protecting all of us, including priests,” said Valles. DMS