Philippines: Bishop Warns Duterte Backers Of ‘Blind Fanaticism’
(UCA News) — A Philippine Catholic bishop has termed former President Rodrigo Duterte’s detention at The Hague as a “special grace” while cautioning his followers against divisive “blind fanaticism.”
“Blind fanaticism is tearing us apart as a people,” Bishop Patricio Buzon of Bacolod said in his homily during Mass at Bacolod Cathedral on March 23, CBCP News reported.
“It is time to put our love of country above any political loyalty lest we all perish,” the prelate added, referring to Duterte loyalists.
Duterte was arrested in the Philippines on March 11 under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for alleged crimes against humanity during the deadly “war on drugs” that killed thousands during his term.
He is currently in detention at The Hague and is facing an ICC trial for his infamous War on Drugs, which reportedly killed thousands.
Rights groups and church organizations say the “war” shot and killed some 12,000 to 30,000 people without judicial process, primarily poor drug suspects from squalid ghettos.
Duterte has consistently justified his ‘war on drugs.’ But supporters have argued that the charges are politically motivated and have called for his return to the Philippines.
Buzon challenged the Duterte loyalists to reconsider their support, considering what was best for the former president.
“True love seeks the good of the beloved. If they truly love their Tatay Digong, they will do well to leave him in peace where he is now,” Buzon said.
“Tatay Digong,” or “Daddy Digong” in English, is the nickname given by supporters who view Duterte as the nation’s father.
The prelate emphasized that Duterte was also a “child of God,” and “God wants him to be saved.”
“If Duterte’s loyal followers profess undying love for him, they should know that God loves him infinitely more,” Buzon said.
Citing scripture, Buzon pointed out that Duterte is living on “borrowed time” and that his detention could serve as a moment of reckoning.
“Prison time is a powerful time, more [powerful] than any spiritual retreat,” Buzon said while adding that “it could be the last chance for [Duterte] to return to God.”
Pro-Duterte supporters have launched massive campaigns urging to bring Duterte home and alleging that the former president was “kidnapped” to face the ICC, news agency AFP reported.
Families of Duterte’s drug war victims welcomed the ICC proceedings as a chance for justice, while his supporters believe he was sent to The Hague amid a spectacular fallout with the ruling Marcos family.
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