The Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has reaffirmed its unwavering support and prayers for the 44 Filipinos currently on death row in various countries, pledging continued advocacy for their rights and freedom.
Bishop Ruperto Santos, Vice-Chairman of CBCP-ECMI and Bishop of Antipolo, emphasized that the Church stands in solidarity with these individuals, assuring them that they are not forgotten.
“We continue to advocate for your rights and seek justice on your behalf,” Bishop Santos said in a message broadcast via Radio Veritas Philippines.
“May you find strength in the knowledge that you are not alone. The entire nation stands behind you, praying for your safety and hoping for a just resolution to your cases. Let your faith be your anchor, and may you draw comfort from the love and support of your fellow Filipinos,” he added.
Bishop Santos encouraged the detainees to remain courageous and resilient, underscoring the transformative power of hope and faith during their ordeal.
“In these trying times, remember that hope is a powerful force. It can sustain you through the darkest moments and guide you toward a brighter future. We believe in the power of prayer and the possibility of miracles. Hold on to hope, for it is the light that will lead you through,” he said.
The bishop’s message follows a significant development regarding Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino woman who spent 14 years in prison in Indonesia and whose case drew international attention.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently confirmed that Indonesia has approved Veloso’s repatriation, symbolizing hope for other Filipinos facing similar struggles.
According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), 44 Filipinos are currently facing death sentences abroad.
The majority—41 individuals—are detained in Malaysia, with two in Brunei and one in Saudi Arabia. These cases highlight the complexities and vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers abroad, particularly in navigating foreign legal systems.
The CBCP’s renewed appeal calls on governments, particularly across Asia, to uphold due process and show compassion for migrant workers caught in legal battles.
The Church also encourages the global Filipino community to join in advocating for justice and the dignity of all individuals.
Reaffirming the Catholic Church’s commitment to the sanctity of life, Bishop Santos reiterated that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves inherent respect and value.
The Church consistently opposes the death penalty, advocating instead for restorative justice that fosters healing, reconciliation, and rehabilitation.
“This is a call to renew our faith, advocate for justice, and extend mercy to those in need,” the bishop emphasized. “The Church’s mission is to defend life and dignity, reminding us that no person is beyond the reach of God’s grace.”
The CBCP-ECMI’s appeal serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to advocate for those most vulnerable, particularly overseas Filipino workers who face legal challenges.
By intensifying prayers, advocacy, and pastoral support, the Church continues its mission to be a beacon of hope for those in despair.
As the cases of Filipinos on death row unfold, the Church remains steadfast in its call for justice, mercy, and the collective pursuit of solutions rooted in compassion and the preservation of life.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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