Cardinal Pablo David: A Beacon of Hope Amid Duterte’s Drug War

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David courageously opposed Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, rising as a significant voice for justice amidst violence and state-sponsored killings. His journey from a vocal critic to a cardinal signifies a profound recognition of his role in advocating for the marginalized, while his ongoing mission emphasizes the Church’s resilience in challenging oppressive regimes.

In the wake of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s lethal anti-drug campaign, one figure has stood up, vocally opposing the violence: Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David. Currently, he is among the 133 cardinal-electors cloistered in the Sistine Chapel, praying for guidance, and perhaps even hoping to emerge as the next pope.

Ordained in 1983, Cardinal David has a notable history. He was an active protestor against the regime of Marcos Sr., later headed his seminary, and spent years earning a doctorate in Belgium while studying Aramaic in Jerusalem. His religious journey brought him to the forefront of the Catholic Church while also engaging in intense societal issues.

As a bishop, Cardinal David emerged as a fearless critic of Duterte’s aggressive war on drugs. This campaign, largely seen as one of extrajudicial killings, garnered mixed reactions; while many citizens supported it, its brutal toll — thousands of lives lost — led to widespread international outcry.

One of David’s beloved parishioners was 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos, tragically shot by police during an anti-drug operation in Manila. Kian’s family faced immense grief, and his uncle even lost his job due to false allegations connecting them to crime, which later turned out to be baseless despite conflicting police reports.

Since Duterte took office in 2016, reports indicated that over 7,700 civilians have died amidst this controversial campaign. These figures are higher than official government statistics, spotlighting the grim realities many families faced during this time.

Born in 1957 in Pampanga, “Ambo” is the 10th of 13 children. After studying at Ateneo, he was ordained a priest, eventually being appointed bishop of Kalookan in 2016, a diocese heavily impacted by the government’s target on drugs. Throughout his tenure, countless bodies appeared on the streets of his district.

In response, David sought to document the violence, providing refuge for mourners and using his voice against state abuses. His initiatives attracted the ire of Duterte, who criticized the Church for its supposed hypocrisies. Consequently, life became dangerous for David; not only was he vilified, but he also found himself targeted for violence.

Duterte, known for his inflammatory rhetoric, accused David of corruption and, alarmingly, implicated him in drug activities. The threats were perceived as veiled but unmistakably serious, striking fear into the hearts of many religious and human rights activists. Soon after, Duterte issued a shocking warning about harming any bishop involved in drug use and David curtailed his public activities.

Despite the unfolding threats, Cardinal David’s resolve didn’t waver. “The threat to my life, I leave to God,” he remarked, demanding justice and accountability. His courage served as motivation for others in the religious community to rally against oppression.

Unbeknownst to David, Pope Francis took notice of his situation while at the Vatican. In 2019, during a visit, the Pope recognized him, saying he had heard much about David’s challenges. This moment left a profound impact on David, who later recalled how gracious the Pope was, even offering a blessing that he would forever treasure.

In 2022, Cardinal David ascended to the presidency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), significantly amplifying his voice in national matters. His elevation to cardinal in 2024 signaled both recognition of his bravery and the Catholic Church’s concern regarding challenges it faces under political pressure.

His life embodies the blend of courage and compassion amid a hazardous environment. As the nation wrestles with the ramifications of the drug war, now under ICC investigation, Cardinal David continues to stand firm, reminding all that the Church can indeed be a beacon of hope and steadfastness.

Despite the end of Duterte’s presidency, David’s work remains far from finished. “We are shepherds. We are not supposed to run away when the wolves come,” he asserted with conviction.

Regarding light-hearted criticisms, David remarked, “…it’s not funny” in reference to the portrayal of Trump as pope. His serious yet hopeful message reverberates, encouraging unity and persistence in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David represents a powerful figure in the Catholic Church’s response to Duterte’s violent war on drugs. His unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, and accountability showcases the Church’s potential to challenge oppression. As the investigation into the drug war continues, Cardinal David’s legacy emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith, courage, and resilience against prevailing tyranny.

Original Source: gulfnews.com