Feast of the Holy Cross: Christ being crucified daily in the Philippine 'war against drugs'

Christ in Agony on the Cross, El Greco, 1600s

Art Museum, Cincinnati [Web Gallery of Art]

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him (John 3:16-17, NABRE).

From today’s Gospel for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Crime against humanity? In the first place, I’d like to be frank with you: are they (drug addicts) humans? What is your definition of a human being? (The President of the Philippines, 26 August 2016).

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him (Jesus Christ, John 3:17).

Killings in the 'war against drugs' since 1 July 2016

The President was sworn in on 30 June. 

(UPDATED) As of the 2nd week of September 2016, there have been over 3,500 deaths, both from legitimate police operations and extrajudicial or unexplained killings.

Here are the latest numbers based on data from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

3,526 total number of persons killed in #WarOnDrugs since July 1

1,491 drug personalities killed in police operations, as of September 13

2,035 victims of extrajudicial or vigilante killings, as of September 14

Data below is as of August 22.

10 police personnel killed during operations

18 police personnel wounded during police operations.

'This campaign (of) shoot-to-kill will remain until the last day of my term if I'm still alive by then,' the 71-year-old (President) said, adding: 'I don't care about human rights, believe me.' He also announced that he was offering his soldiers and police personnel 'official and personal guarantee' of immunity from these prosecutions. In his crack down on drug peddlers, the president has even authorised citizens to shoot culprits to punish them for their crime. (The President of the Philippines, 6 August 2016).

A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly (Jesus Christ, John 10:10).

Pietá, Our Lady of Remedies Church, Malate, Manila

This commemorates the 100,000 or so, mostly civilians and including five Columban priests, who died in the Battle of Manila, February 1945.