Bataan bishop calls for prayers amid Nokor nuclear threat

People watch a TV news program showing a file footage of a missile launched by North Korea, at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, June 8, 2017. North Korea fired several projectiles believed to be short-range surface-to-ship cruise missiles off its east coast, South Korea’s military said, a continuation of weapons tests that have rattled Washington and the North’s neighbors as Pyongyang seeks to build a nuclear missile capable of reaching the continental United States. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A bishop called on the public on Tuesday to unite and pray for the safety of Filipinos and the rest of the world amid North Korea’s nuclear war threats.

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, head of Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, said the faithful should pray to enlighten world leaders to pursue peace and promote human life.

“At these perilous and uncertain times, we have to pray. Let us pray constantly, begging God to enlighten our leaders to work for peace and promotion of human life,” Santos said in an interview with Radio Veritas.

“May they value life more than anything else, and renounce war which is total destruction and total disaster,” Santos added.

Tension between the United States and North Korea escalated as the communist country’s leader, Kim Jong-un, ordered the North Korean military to prep up its nuclear missiles for U.S. territory like Guam. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, about 40 percent of Guam’s population are Filipinos.

The bishop also appealed to Filipinos in Guam to observe proper rule of law to ensure their safety.

“Also we appeal to our people to be always vigilant, careful and observe proper rule of law of Guam. We at CBCP ECMI are with you, praying for your safety and security. God bless you all,” Santos said.

The Church and the government asked about 69,000 Filipinos in South Korea that could possibly be affected when the conflict between the U.S. and North Korea escalates. JPV