CBCP head says law enforcers want to reveal knowledge on killings

October 2, 2017

Saying some law enforcers' "consciences are troubling them", Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Archbishop Socrates Villegas said Monday some have approached members of the clergy to show what they know about extrajudicial killings.

"They have expressed their desire to come out in the open about their participation in extrajudicial killings and summary executions," said Villegas. "Their consciences are troubling them," he added.

Villegas, Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, said the Church is willing to grant them shelter and protection, including their families, if necessary, within the bounds of Church and laws.

"If their preference is to stay with us in the Church, they will not be turned over to the State under its own witness-protection program," said Villegas.

Villegas said priests will be looking prudently into their sincerity and veracity of their stories but it doesn't mean clergy members will be discussing the law enforcers' testimonies and depositions.

"It is recommended that volunteer lawyers, preferably those who blog to alternative law groups, assist the witness and also readily affirm that no member of the clergy instructed, directed, and couched the testimonies they give," said Villegas. DMS