Bishop prays for imprisonment of the corrupt

MANILA, Philippines — Bayombong Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao yesterday called for the imprisonment of people involved in the corruption that contributed to the damage of mountains, which he blamed for heavy flooding during Super Typhoon Uwan. 

In an interview over Radyo Veritas, Mangalinao said those responsible for the flooding should be made accountable.  

“I pray for the imprisonment of all those involved in corruption (and those) who are responsible for the destruction of the mountain that led to heavy flooding,” he said.

“We were at the pathway of the eye of the storm. We endured hours of strong winds and rain beginning at 7 p.m. and lasting almost until 2 a.m. here in Bayombong,” he narrated.

Mangalinao shepherds Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces, which are under the Diocese of Bayombong. 

Alongside his prayer, the bishop expressed gratitude to God for keeping people safe and for giving them an opportunity to rebuild. 

“Thank you, Lord, we are still alive and filled with hope that we would rise again,” Mangalinao said. 

Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy appealed to people to be better stewards of the Earth and to protect the mountains that have been keeping them safe from storms.  

“Our mountains protect us from fierce storms, yet we continue to destroy them. When we carve the mountains without conscience, mine them recklessly or lay them bare, we weaken the very barrier that keeps our communities safe,” said Uy. 

“My dear people, we must change our ways. We cannot keep repeating the same mistakes and expect different results. Creation is not our property to exploit, but God’s gift to nurture. Its wounds are calling out. Creation is crying and we must listen,” Uy added. 

Cebu, while still reeling from the impact of powerful earthquakes, was the worst hit province during Typhoon Tino, which left over 220 people dead and more than 100 still missing.

In Negros Occidental, San Carlos bishop Gerardo Alminaza called on the government to make caring for the environment a top priority in its disaster preparedness program. 

“Please ensure that ecological protection and honest governance are at the heart of disaster preparedness,” said Alminaza, incoming chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace as well as Caritas Philippines.