Mindanao bishopsand Martial Law is a means of last resort

To All
People of Good Willand

We,
Catholic Bishops of Mindanao, address this Statement to every Mindanawon. We
originally intended to respond to the requests of our Catholic faithful who
asked for pastoral guidance on the issue of Martial Law.

We pray
for all the murdered innocent victims in Marawi and ask the Lord to protect all
the families that have fled to safety.

We condemn
the terrorist acts that have caused the loss of many innocent lives, the
burning of homes, public buildings, including a Protestant school dormitory and
a Catholic Cathedral.

We condemn
the unconscionable kidnapping of teachers and church personnel.

We pray
for the safety of all the kidnapped, of Fr. Teresito Suganob and his
companions. We appeal to the hostage takers to release all of them unharmed.
The victims fear death but they also have the courage to give ultimate witness
to Christ.

In the
strongest terms we condemn terrorism in its various forms. It is an ideology
that is totally against the tenets of any religion of peace. Especially so when
terrorism is perpetrated while our Muslim brothers and sisters are preparing
for the holy month of Ramadhan. Terrorism distorts and falsifies the true
meaning of any religion. It destroys harmonious relationships among peoples of
different faiths. It creates a world of suspicion and prejudice, of hatred and
hostility.

The
President of the Philippines has responded to the Marawi crisis by declaring
Martial Law in the entire Mindanao. Many criticise the decision as reminiscent
of the horrors of a past dictatorship. Others support the decision as
justified.

We are
aware that the problems of peace and order, of the continuing disruptive
activities of other rebel groups, the problems of criminality and drugs, of
corruption and underdevelopment are in every nook and corner of Mindanao.
Mindanao problems go beyond the city limits of Marawi.

Our
Catholic faithful have asked for pastoral guidance regarding Martial Law. We
are guided by the Sacred Scriptures and by the social teachings of the Church.
St. Paul exhorts us to pursue what leads to peace (Rom. 14: 19).

Martial
Law is a means of last resort. Are moral principles fulfilled? Were other means
to resolve the deep and wide serious problems of Mindanao impractical and
ineffective? Will the positive effects of Martial Law outweigh the negative
effects? Will there be probability of success? Will it bring about a culture of
accountability and end a culture of impunity? Will Martial Law increase human
rights violations? Will Martial Law be abused for evil purposes?

The
answers to many questions are speculative. We have many fears. But at present
we simply do not have solid and sufficient facts to absolutely reject the
declaration of Martial Law as morally reprehensible. But we are certainly
agreed that Martial Law must be temporary.

We shall
condemn any abuse of Martial Law and as in the past will condemn it outright if
it goes in the way of evil. Let us be vigilant.

We exhort
everyone to be calm in the face of Martial Law, to be obedient to the just
commands of lawful authority, and not to provoke violent reaction. We urge the
government to remove the causes of terrorism, such as poverty and injustice,
through just and accountable governance focused solely on the common good.

The focus
of every religion is peace on earth, peace in heaven. Let us pursue together
what leads to peace. Let all religious teachers and leaders quell the
tendencies towards the terrorist ideology. Together let us pursue what leads to
peace. Let us pray for peace and work for peace.

God bless
the people of Marawi. God bless all Mindanawons.

With the
approval of the Bishops of Mindanao,

+Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, O.M.I.

Archbishop of Cotabato

26 May 2017