By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/ PNA
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it is more than ready to provide security protection to priests who have claimed to receive death threats.
PNP chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde said he has already discussed the matter with Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.
“I already talked to Cardinal Tagle and I assured them that we can provide protection especially to the members of the clergy who are in need of it. We are always ready to assist them,” Albayalde told reporters on Wednesday.
The move comes after President Rodrigo Duterte, despite making tirades against the Catholic Church, warned those who are threatening to harm priests and bishops to stop, as they are not part of the “political ruckus”.
Duterte made the warning after Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, in a text message to former presidential aide, Christopher “Bong” Go, reported that some priests have been receiving death threats.
The President said those who harm bishops and priests would have to answer to him.
