Church-State Relations and the NTF-Elcac: A Controversial Link Begins
The connections between the Church and the State have always been a topic of scrutiny and debate. In recent news, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is set to be represented in the government’s National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac), drawing controversy and concerns from various groups.
The NTF-Elcac has been accused by human rights organizations of engaging in Red-tagging, asset freezing, and branding individuals as terrorists, leading to potential threats to their lives and the creation of a culture of impunity. These accusations have sparked discussions about the integrity of the Church-State relationship and the potential dangers it may pose.
To understand the history of this complex relationship, we can look back to a forum in 1982 where the issue was first raised. Salvador P. Lopez, a prominent figure in Philippine society, questioned the collaboration between the Church and the military through the Church-Military Liaison Committee (CMLC). This raised concerns about whether both parties were merely using each other for their own interests, and how long this arrangement would continue.
These discussions were documented in an article titled In this Catholic country, is it being subversive to live out Christ’s gospel? written by Lorna K. Tirol in 1982. The publication of this article resulted in a libel threat and military interrogation of the author, highlighting the risks faced by those who dared to speak out during the Marcos dictatorship.
Further examination of Church-State relations during this period can be found in the book Church-state relations by Mario Bolasco and Rolando Yu, published in 1981. The book sheds light on the workings of the Church during the early years of martial law, its struggles, and eventual emergence as a voice for truth, justice, and human rights.
During the Marcos regime, the Association of Major Religious Superiors published its own mosquito press as a means to disseminate information and challenge the oppressive regime. These publications, such as Various Reports, Signs of the Times, and Ichthys, played a crucial role in exposing the truth and resisting authoritarian rule. However, the landscape has changed significantly with the advent of social media and the ease of information dissemination.
Comparisons have been drawn between the present-day NTF-Elcac and the CMLC of the past. The NTF-Elcac, established during the Duterte presidency, did not initially include any representation from the Church. However, a recent development sees the CBCP engaging with the NTF-Elcac through its commission on public affairs. The commission aims to provide moral and ethical approaches to address insurgency, as clarified by CBCP president Bishop Pablo Virgilio Ambo David.
Critics have voiced concerns about the potential co-optation of the Church by the NTF-Elcac and the credibility of such a collaboration. It is important to approach this issue with caution and closely monitor its outcomes. Meanwhile, attention should also be given to cases like the abduction of two female activists in Bataan, which raises serious concerns for their safety and well-being.
In the midst of these developments, it is essential to understand the complex dynamics of Church-State relations in the Philippines. While the institutions have played significant roles in advocating for justice, peace, and integrity of creation, their stance on truth and falsehood may vary. It is important to carefully navigate this landscape and maintain a commitment to upholding human rights and defending the truth.
As the CBCP’s permanent council discusses the NTF-Elcac link-up, it is crucial to hope for positive results that uphold the principles of justice and integrity. The voices of different sectors must be heard, and the rights and safety of individuals must be protected.
