Survey: 90% of Filipinos Reject Church Involvement in Government’s Anti-Communist Task Force
An online survey conducted by Caritas Philippines has revealed that 90% of Filipinos oppose any church involvement with the government’s anti-communist task force. The survey, which was conducted by the social development arm of the Catholic Church, has shed light on the sentiments of the Filipino population regarding the Church’s role in the controversial National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
In a Facebook post on Thursday, October 19, the Catholic Bishops of the Philippines shared the results of the survey, highlighting the fear among respondents of the Church being “co-opted and used to legitimize” alleged human rights violations by the NTF-ELCAC. The respondents expressed the belief that the Church can have a stronger voice in dialogue with the government by working in solidarity with the poor and other human rights groups, outside the bounds of the NTF-ELCAC.
“The Church should stay true to its mandate of standing up for the poor, the hungry, the oppressed, and the vulnerable,” the survey stated, emphasizing the importance of the Church’s commitment to its core mission. Additionally, the respondents urged the Church to continue engaging in dialogue with both communities and the government to foster an inclusive and sustainable peace.
The survey also called upon the Church to find innovative ways to reach a wider audience, particularly children and youth, by utilizing social media platforms to popularize the call for synodality and Fratelli Tutti, an encyclical written by Pope Francis. These efforts aim to ensure that the Church’s message reaches as many individuals as possible, ultimately contributing to a broader understanding and support for its objectives.
The findings of this survey highlight the concerns and viewpoints of the Filipino population regarding the Church’s involvement in the government’s anti-communist task force. As discussions surrounding the NTF-ELCAC continue, the Church will undoubtedly consider these sentiments as it navigates its role in promoting social justice and advocating for the marginalized and vulnerable.
