Tension, clashes and arrests of supporters around the Kingdom of Jesus Christ headquarters where 2,000 officers are searching for the controversial fugitive spiritual leader after allegations of abuse and human trafficking. The deployment of forces comes a few months after the break between the current president and his predecessor's clan. Vice-President Sara Duterte's accusations: ‘Use of force unacceptable. I apologise for asking them to vote for Marcos'.
Bishop Vergara formally opened the cause of a laywoman who passed away at age 75 in 2011 and dedicated her life to the service of the diocese and the poor in Metro Manila. In 2002 Pope John Paul II had presented her with the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Award.
Today's headlines: The Philippines, the US, Canada, and Australia hold a two-day exercise in the South China Sea. Taiwan’s defence spending is expected to reach a record high next year. Hamas appoints Yahya Sinwar as its new leader. In South Korea, climate change is disrupting agriculture with new banana and papaya farms popping up.
For the Philippines, this is a historic result after the first ever gold by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in the 2020 Olympics. Philippine bishops praise the discipline, determination, and devotion shown by the 24-year-old athlete, who trained in Japan.
About 250 priests from all of the country’s dioceses are meeting in Manila to reflect on sharing the pastoral ministry following the path traced by Pope Francis. For Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Bishops' Conference, “synodality brings in the wisdom of not monopolizing the mission. The mission is about the Church.”
Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos appealed to the faithful on the occasion of the World Day that the UN is celebrating today with a special focus on minors. There are still many people, the prelate stressed, who live in conditions of modern slavery. It is especially important to protect children, the most vulnerable victims.
