Catholic church grants shelter to whistle-blowers

Photo by Philstar. Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz

The Catholic church has expressed its intent to open its gates to people who might be in danger, such as those who are witnesses to extrajudicial killings, assuming that they are really innocent.

According to a retired archbishop, it’s a common practice of the church to grant shelter to whistle-blowers and people seeking protection.

“It’s along the principle of ‘love your neighbor’ as far as the Church is concerned. Those who seek (refuge) are being hunted by the mighty on the assumption that they are helpless,” said former Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz.

Cruz said in response to the disclosure of self-confessed Edgar Matobato that he he was protected by a Pangasinan priest during his hiding. Matobato also linked Duterte in the extrajudicial killings in Davao City during his reign as the city mayor.

Meanwhile, Cruz said that it is a common practice and has a long history of Church observance of protecting and taking care of people who are threatened.

However, the one seeking protection must be innocent and presumed unjustly persecuted. “If it’s known that you are already guilty, then you will harbouring criminals, which not only against Church law but also against civil law,” Cruz explained.

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