Several bishops joined Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle in celebrating Mass at Manila Cathedral on Monday, in an apparent show of force after President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to kill “useless” prelates who criticize his brutal war on drugs. Reginald Malicdem, Manila Cathedral rector, urged the congregation of about 2,000 to show their support for the prelates. “Let us show our love and support for our bishops with a loud and sustained round of applause,” Malicdem added, and the congregation applauded. Bishops from the dioceses of Baguio, Pampanga, Lucena, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato and Zamboanga also attended the Mass. “Their presence tonight only shows that the Manila Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Philippines,” Malicdem said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 12, 2018 21:22 UTC