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World News

Filipino cardinal: Abortion 'as bad' as vigilante killings

by Hannah Tooley

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was speaking after almost 2,000 people were killed in President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs, since he took to office earlier in the year.

Cardinal Tagle said that people should uphold the sanctity of life at all stages, including in the womb.

Speaking on Manila Archdiocese-run Radio Veritas he said that: "Many are worried of extrajudicial killings and we should be... But I hope we're also worried about abortion.

"Why are only few people speaking out against abortion? That's also murder!"

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The Catholic leader went on to say that human life should be respected and protected, saying all forms of killing must be opposed.

He told the audience killings are the not the answer to the country's drug problem and that everyone deserves to live.

"I know that the big issue nowadays is the spate of killings even those not guilty and the innocent, they say. But whether a person is guilty or not, life should be protected and respected," he said.

Duterte has justified the large-scale killing of drug users by suggesting the victims were not human.

Speaking last week he said: "Crime against humanity? In the first place, I'd like to be frank with you: are they humans?"

He was responding after a number of UN officials condemned the extra-judicial killings.

The cardinal said that bad working conditions were also a variation of murder because it kills the dignity of the employed.

President Duterte took to office at the end of June and human rights groups have expressed worry over the drugs-related killings.

UN appointed human rights experts are also warning steps should be taken to stop the violence.

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