San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said on Friday, February 24, that red tagging will never stop his commitment to peace and justice.
“I cannot be silent amid violence and injustices,” Alminaza, who is the Pilgrims for Peace convenor, said in a statement.
He said he was the subject of red-tagging by the SMNI’s television program “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” during its February 22 segment where its hosts called his advocacy “diabolical and demonic”.
SMNI is the media outfit of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy,
“As this TV program continues to malign and even invoke vicious threats against the work of church-people, bishops and pastors, dedicated activists, and ordinary persons we should never be afraid, but rather be brave in speaking for the truth on behalf of the victims of injustice”, Alminaza said.
The demand to pursue peace is an echo of Jesus’ command to love, he said.
“We cannot continue the fake model of peace that is one-sided using pseudo development that is militarized and highly politicized. We want a peace that is integral and inclusive, benefitting the common good-that uplifts the poor and promotes authentic development, Alminaza said.
Alminaza said in the past he has spoken of Toto Patigas, Zara Alvarez and Dr. Mary Rose Sancelan, among others, whose killings remain unsolved. “They had dedicated their lives to the quest for a just and lasting peace,” he said.
Alminaza, who was alluded to as a mouthpiece of the Communist Party of the Philippines, said he is committed to taking the side of the victims of injustice.*