Protestant ‘mission’ visits Philippine death zones

Church workers from at least 10 countries conducted what they described was a “religious mission” this month to different regions of the Philippines blighted by extrajudicial killings.

They went on a “pilgrim visit” to communities in the capital Manila, to farming villages in Negros province and to tribal communities in Mindanao. 

The 14 individuals representing different Christian churches under the World Council of Churches interviewed families of victims of alleged human rights violations.

Peter Cruchley of the Council of World Mission said the visit aimed to “offer solidarity to the victims of violence.”

He said the stories of people who witnessed and experienced abuses are important in assessing the state of human rights in the country. 

Among those interviewed were family members of those killed in the government’s so-called war on drugs in the Philippine capital and nearby provinces. 

“It is difficult to understand why people as young as 15 years old are being killed,” said Cruchley. “We need to confront it.” 

Patricia Lisson of the United Church of Canada said one of the reasons her group came to the Philippines was to campaign against “tyranny” there. 

“It is hopeful to see that there are people who are standing up for what they believe,” she said, adding that “it is also discouraging” to know that there are people who don’t ask questions.

“People traveled to see us and share their stories,” said Lisson about her visit to the central Philippines and to Mindanao. 

The mission is expected to come up with an assessment of the human rights situation in the country and submit recommendations to their respective religious institutions and governments. 

A Global Witness report released on July 29 ranked the Philippines as the worst violator of the rights of environmental and land defenders in 2018.