THE Diocese of Bacolod, through the Diocesan Social Action Center, is organizing today, July 18, an activity dubbed "Call for Prayerful Vigilance in the Light of the Impending Impact of the Anti-Terror Law on our People."

The controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 will take effect starting today.

Bishop Patricio Buzon, in a circular letter, said that as church, they want to take a stance for upholding the basic rights of the people against warrantless arrest, freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

The circular was addressed to all parish priests, parochial vicars, chaplains and rectors of churches, superiors of seminaries, institutes of consecrate life and societies of apostolic life, and Christian faitful of the diocese.

Buzon called on all parishes and chaplainces to organize and simultaneously pray the rosary at 5:30 in the afternoon for the said intention.

The Commission on Liturgy, he said, prepared a rosary guide for the use of the parishes and chaplains.

"In San Sebastian Cathedral Parish, we will be holding the rosary in front of Bishop's House," the bishop said, adding that faithful are urged to bring their rosaries and candles.

All parishes and chaplainces are also advised to simultaneously ring their church bells at six in the evening of the same day.

Buzon said it is their hope that the activity will create the necessary awareness as to the perceived escalating pattern of silencing of dissenting and independent voices in the society.

"Let us all have the courage to speak up when called for by thruth and justice," the church leader added.