CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma called on the faithful to share the gift of joy this Christmas by showing mercy and respect for life.
In his Christmas message this year, Palma said that in preparation of the birth of Jesus Christ, the faithful should bring joy to families and communities.
Palma’s message came as the death toll of the national government’s war against illegal drugs reached more than 6,000, as of yesterday.
“Thus, let us share this joy by protecting and promoting a culture, not of lawlessness, but (of) mercy, not of death, but (of) life,” Palma said.
Reminder
Based on a Dec. 23 update provided by the Philippine National Police, there have been over 6,187 deaths linked to the war on drugs, both from legitimate police operations and vigilante-style or unexplained killings.
Deaths attributed to anti-illegal drug operations have risen since President Rodrigo Duterte rose to power back in May.
Some 2,138 were suspected drug personalities, who were killed in police operations, while the rest were victims of suspected extrajudicial killings.
Earlier this month, Palma said he didn’t believe the report provided by the Senate Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Order and Dangerous Drugs that claimed that the national government had nothing to do with the rising number of deaths attributed to the war on illegal drugs.
Palma also reminded the faithful that Christmas is a time to set aside greed and selfishness.
Quoting Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Palma urged the faithful to share joy as the “true gift of Christmas” through simple gesture such as a smile, a little help and forgiveness.
Governor’s message
“Joy is the true gift of Christmas, not the expensive gifts that call for time and money,” he added.
At 9 p.m. tonight, Palma is set to celebrate Christmas Eve Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
Meanwhile, Gov. Hilario Davide III urged everyone to be thankful to God for all the graces they’ve received this year.
He also wished them a “prosperous and a wonderful new year.”
The governor said he hopes the projects of his administration will continue next year.
Davide cited the completion of the BAEX building, a commercial-mix use structure soon to stand beside the Capitol, and the continuous improvement of province-run hospitals.