Prelate calls on Filipinos in the UK to be vigilant

Two armed police guard an area near Borough Market in the London Bridge area of London, Monday, June 5, 2017. British police made arrests on Sunday in a widening terrorism investigation after attackers using a van and large knives killed several people and wounded dozens more in the heart of London. The lamppost at right is where the suspects van came to a halt. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on Filipinos based in the United Kingdom to be vigilant following the terrorist attack in London that left seven dead.

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, chair of the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should be more law-abiding and cooperate with authorities in light of the incident.

“We advise our OFWs to be more alert and vigilant in these uncertain times. Be law-abiding and cooperate with authorities about questionable packages, gatherings and personalities,” he said.

Santos made the remarks following the attack on London Bridge over the weekend.

The suspects drove a van over pedestrians on London Bridge before getting out to stab a number of people.

The extremist Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the tragedy.

Santos also reminded the OFWs to never forget to pray for peace and their safety.

He said the United Kingdom, despite the attack, was still a safe and conducive place for the more than 130,000 Filipinos based there.

“We trust the necessary and preventive measures which the United Kingdom takes to deter future senseless attacks,” Santos said.

Meanwhile, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas has urged the faithful to pray a special Angelus to combat world terrorism and violence.

On Sunday, the prelate uploaded the “Angelus prayer against terrorism and violence” on his Facebook account to encourage the public to turn to prayer in these trying times.

In particular, Villegas is appealing to those in his diocese to recite the devotional prayer.

“The [CBCP] cannot issue an oratio imperata (obligatory prayer). We can only propose. Each bishop decides for his diocese,” he said.