In Support of PREDA and Fr. Cullen
Published in Philippine Daily Inquirer
March 03, 2000
University of Alberta
Department of Educational Policy Studies
Edmonton Educational Administration, Educational Foundations,
Adult and Higher Education
Faculty of Education
7-104 Education Building North,
Canada T6G 2G5
Telephone (403) 492-2556
Fax (403) 492-0762
25 February
Letters to Editor Section
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Dear Editor,
It is extremely disappointing to hear that the Zambales Bishop and other priests are supporting the retrial of the convicted Australian pedophile, Victor Keith Fitzgerald. We firmly disagree with reports or news coverage favouring the campaign of the clergy headed by the Bishop of Zambales and casting blame and aspersions on Fr. Shay Cullen and PREDA Foundation.
Worldwide there has been a growing chorus of voices and advocacy against the dehumanizing abuse and exploitation of children through sex trade and sex trafficking. International Human Rights instruments are being forged and strengthened to protect the rights of children and youth. The Philippines is a signatory to many of these human rights conventions.
As active participants in the global movement for a culture of peace and human rights, we have utmost respect for the long-standing and tireless work of PREDA and Fr. Shay Cullen in challenging sexploitation of children in the Philippines, especially in Olongapo City. Fr. Shay and PREDA are well known and admired for their leadership and courageous struggle to end the abuse of children who are the most vulnerable members of society. Over the decades, PREDA has helped thousands of children to move from the suffering of sexual exploitation to a more dignified and humane life. Fr. Shay and PREDA's ongoing campaign to end the abusive and illegal activities of pedophiles surely deserves the support of all Filipinos and peoples around the world who value and respect the rights and dignity of children.
It is also most disturbing that the leadership of the current campaign to free a convicted pedophile is coming from some clergy of the Catholic Church, which stands for the values and principles of justice and peace. We express our strongest solidarity for Fr. Shay and PREDA and call on all Filipinos who care for their children to express similarly their support.
Dr. Toh Swee-Hin & Dr. Virginia Cawagas
Professors, Global/Peace Education, University of Alberta, Canada
c.c.
Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines