Cardinal Pablo David: A Voice of Resistance Amid Duterte’s Drug War

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David has emerged as a significant figure in the Catholic Church, known for his outspoken criticism of Duterte’s drug war. His journey reflects a dedication to justice and care for the marginalized during a time of political strife. Despite facing life threats and conflict with the former president, he now holds a crucial position within the Church while advocating for accountability and compassion.

In the shadow of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s harsh anti-drug campaign, one figure stood firmly against the tide: Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David. Now a cardinal of the Catholic Church, David is currently among the 133 cardinal-electors sequestered inside the Sistine Chapel, engaged in prayerful contemplation while bidding to rise as the next pope.

Since his ordination in 1983, David has consistently spoken out against unjust governance. His involvement in protests against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. marked the beginning of his advocacy. He later served as a seminary rector before earning a doctorate from Louvain in Belgium, and even mastered Aramaic during studies in Jerusalem.

David emerged as a vocal critic of the brutal war on drugs initiated by Duterte, a campaign notorious for extrajudicial killings that garnered both domestic and international outrage. Tragically, one of the most striking examples was the death of Kian Loyd delos Santos, a 17-year-old parishioner fatally shot by police during an anti-drug operation in Manila.

The aftermath of Kian’s killing was devastating for his family, particularly as they faced community ostracism and tarnished reputations, labeled as drug dealers by local police despite vehement denials of such claims, including in Senate testimonies. The discrepancy between police reports and witness accounts exacerbated the case’s notoriety.

According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), Duterte’s drug war resulted in 7,742 civilian fatalities, significantly exceeding the government’s reported figure of just 6,000 since he assumed office in 2016.

Riverdale, a small town in Pampanga, is where David was born in 1957. The tenth of thirteen children, he studied at Ateneo before being ordained as a priest in 1983. Rising to lead the Kalookan diocese in 2016, he found himself serving one of the most marginalized areas, heavily affected by the drug war, where bodies of the young and impoverished routinely appeared in streets and alleys.

In light of the violence, David provided refuge to grieving mothers and orphaned children. His sermons, characterized by themes of social justice and righteousness, pierced the veil of fear pervading the country. This resistance quickly earned him the ire of Duterte, who viewed the Catholic Church’s criticism as hypocritical.

David faced increasing targeting and was publicly vilified, even being accused of embezzlement and drug ties. Notably, Duterte stated that any bishop involved with drugs would face dire consequences. David pivoted from his routine of public prayers due to safety protocols but responded with grace, stating, “The threat to my life, I leave to God,” as he urged justice and accountability.

Unbeknownst to him, David’s staunch stance became known at the Vatican, where Pope Francis noted his work amidst turmoil affecting the clergy. In May 2019, as David visited the Vatican, Francis personally acknowledged his efforts, saying, “I’ve heard so much about what’s happening in your diocese.”

By 2022, David was elected president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), amplifying his influence on national matters. His elevation to cardinal in 2024 signified recognition of his bravery and the Vatican’s concern for the Catholic Church’s role in times of oppression.

Cardinal David’s life serves as a reminder of the dynamic between torment and love. In confronting threats, he’s chosen to nurture those around him while standing firmly against power abuses. As the Philippines grapples with the ongoing implications of Duterte’s drug war and the International Criminal Court’s investigations, David embodies both the challenges faced by spiritual leaders and the potential for the Church to offer compassion amid adversity.

Although Duterte’s presidency has ended, threats against David have not entirely dissipated. His ongoing mission affirms the Church’s moral obligation to guide and protect its flock, asserting, “We are shepherds; we are not supposed to run away when the wolves come.” Addressing the lighthearted remarks on controversial topics, he stated of Trump’s AI-generated pope photo, “With all due respect… it’s not funny.”

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David’s journey from bishop to cardinal exemplifies the powerful interplay of faith and courage amid political peril. His steadfast commitment to justice and compassion during Duterte’s violent regime echoes loudly, as does his message of resilience against tyranny. With the war on drugs remaining a vital concern in the Philippines, David stands at the forefront, reminding citizens of the Church’s enduring role as a protector and advocate. His call to shepherd the vulnerable continues to resonate as the nation grapples with the threats that once loomed over them.

Original Source: gulfnews.com