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Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Cebuanos indifferent to 88 killings: Vidal
Cebuanos do not seem to value life as much as before, said Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, as he cited the people’s indifference to the vigilante-style killings that has claimed 88 lives in Cebu City.
The cardinal said he has long voiced out his concern about the rising number of victims of summary executions, which until now remain unsolved.
“I have already done the necessary actions against these unmerciful killings,” Vidal said in an interview Sunday night.
“It is now up to the people to stand up and stop these killings,” he further said.
He is urging the Catholic community to join his advocacy against the vigilante killings.
The cardinal is concerned that he is the only one who will speak up on the matter.
“Would I be the lonely voice against these summary killings?” he said.
A multisectoral alliance, led by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, had been organized to oppose the vigilante-style killings, but the group has been silent for some time.
Since Dec. 22, at least 88 persons, mostly with criminal records, were summarily executed in Cebu City. The killings happened after Mayor Tomas Osmeña announced that he is forming an elite police force to hunt down suspected criminals.
The mayor had said he will not back down on criminals, even if he gets criticized for his stand. The mayor earlier said he is more concerned about maintaining peace and order.
The police have yet to arrest suspects. The random attacks have stumped the police, as they could not establish a pattern or clear leads in their investigation. (LLV)
(August 23, 2005 issue)
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