The social action arm of the Catholic bishops’ conference urged local churches to engage with local government units and other government agencies in the implementation of programs.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, national director of Caritas Philippines, said local social action centers must “establish mutual trust” with government units and agencies.
He said “coordination” with various agencies will help “safeguard and protect” social action centers and church workers from attacks.
Bishop Bagaforo said local churches can also “establish coordination with the local police or military offices” if necessary.
He said the measures will protect social action workers “from unnecessary exposure to the rampant and systematic red-tagging of the government.”
Caritas Philippines issued the “guidance notes” as the Church agency announced that it will hold a dialogue with the military on the issue of red-tagging and peace.
The document also urged dioceses and their social action arms to ensure “transparency and accountability” to draw public “awareness and support” through mainstream and social media.
