Santosh Digal

The death toll now stands at 32, with 12 missing, following this morning's 7.8-magnitude earthquake, with its epicentre at sea. The tsunami warning has been lifted. Damage has been reported at the Divine Mercy Shrine, Lake Sebu, and several parish churches. The Conference of Major Superiors of the Philippines calls for prayers and solidarity with displaced families.

A place of pilgrimage for people from all over Asia, the shrine stands on the spot where, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to a farmer from Pangasinan in 1610. Archbishop Villegas: “This celebration reminds us of Mary’s presence alongside the Filipino people: she guides us in times of darkness, strengthens us in our weaknesses and leads us ever closer to her Son.”

The new president of the Bishops' Conference, Msgr. Garcera, opens dialogue with government agencies and with President Marcos himself, against whom two impeachment requests have been filed. The Church is willing to collaborate in monitoring public works, the failure to complete which triggered the crisis. The president of Caritas: ‘Corruption in the country is systemic, and everyone's contribution is needed to respond.’

The Ministry of Energy would like to restart atomic energy production in the Philippines in the province of Pangasinan with the construction of a 1,200-megawatt plant. In a pastoral letter, the bishops of the region where the plant would be built express their opposition: ‘After Fukushima, let us choose prudence, investing in renewable energies that guarantee safety, resilience and true long-term development for our people’.

While President Marcos himself is implicated in corruption allegations by a former deputy, the country's bishops warn against solutions that would destabilise the country. Cardinal David: “The Filipino people deserve truth, not rumours; responsibility, not manipulation”. Bishop Villegas: “Peace is the fruit of justice and dialogue, not unbridled ambition or force”.

The bishop of Kalookan and president of the Bishops’ Conference spoke about the fate of thousands of people who died during the Duterte years, whose fates have remained under investigation for years, with no answers for their families, this despite an inquiry by the Philippine Congress. To close this dark chapter, an independent body is needed to ensure that courage overcomes fear and accountability prevails over impunity.

A PIME missionary in the Philippines since 1977, he received the Order of the Star of Italy, one of the highest honours of his country of origin, at the embassy in Manila. Founder of the Silsilah movement for dialogue between Christians and Muslims, he sees this recognition as ‘a challenge to do more to help bring out the good in every person’.

The death toll rises as the hours pass, with 69 confirmed. The shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan lies in ruins. “May this tragedy awaken in us a deeper sense of solidarity, compassion, and faith in Your providence,” the archdiocese said in a statement.

On Sunday, the 53rd anniversary of the imposition of martial law, thousands of Filipinos are expected to take to the streets in the capital for a peaceful rally against government corruption. Meanwhile, the speaker of the House of Representatives, cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has resigned. For his part, the president is not going to attend the UN General Assembly; meanwhile, anger and indignation on social media are growing.

Run by the Jesuit Conference of Asia-Pacific as a fruit of the Second Vatican Council, the EAPI promotes continuing education by welcoming priests, religious sisters, and lay people from various countries each semester. Its courses are a valuable tool for inculturating the faith in local contexts. FABC Chairman Cardinal Ferrao thanked the institute for its contribution to the missionary work of the Church.

The first four families have been welcomed into temporary, safe accommodation in Bagong Silangan, on the outskirts of the Philippine capital. According to some estimates, there are over 100,000 people sleeping on the streets of Manila, exposed to natural disasters and all kinds of abuse. Fr Porcincula: ‘A home is a fundamental step towards regaining dignity.’

The Plenary Assembly in Bohol elects the archbishop of Lipa to succeed Card David who has concluded his second term. The meeting is discussing how to continue the synodal journey in the Philippines. Noemi Saludo, a laywoman who contributed to the restoration of a hundred churches, is honoured.