Cardinal Pablo David: A Beacon of Hope Amid Duterte’s Drug War

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio ‘Ambo’ David stands as a fierce critic of the Duterte administration’s brutal drug war. Known for his advocacy and compassion, especially following the death of parishioner Kian Loyd delos Santos, he has faced threats and vilification. His elevation to Cardinal in 2024 highlights recognition of his courage and commitment to social justice within the Catholic Church.

In the tumultuous era of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s aggressive anti-drug campaign, one figure has emerged as a steadfast opponent: Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David, now a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal David is currently among the 133 cardinal-electors gathered in the Sistine Chapel, engaging in silent prayer and reflection—awaiting the chance, however ambiguous, to potentially become the next pope.

Ordained as a priest in 1983, David was a vocal critic of the regime of dictator Ferdinand Marcos before later taking on leadership roles in the Church. He earned a doctorate in theology from Louvain University in Belgium and studied ancient languages in Jerusalem—an academic journey that reflects his deep commitment to both faith and social justice.

As the bishop of Kalookan, one of the most impoverished areas in Metro Manila, David took a stand against the grim reality of Duterte’s drug war—a campaign marred by thousands of extrajudicial killings, which shocked international communities while being lauded by supporters in the Philippines. Tragically, one of his parishioners was Kian Loyd delos Santos, a just 17-year-old boy who was killed during a police operation, spurring outrage and drawing attention to the violent impact of the drug war.

The delos Santos family’s struggles were compounded when Kian’s uncle lost his job, targeted for his connection to the slain teenager. Tensions rose as police labeled the family as criminals, a characterization they strongly refuted. Official police narratives diverged from witness testimonies and footage, igniting public outcry.

Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project reveals that Duterte’s drug war has led to the deaths of over 7,000 civilians—a troubling figure that overshadows the government’s official count of 6,000 since the president took office in 2016. The extent of this violence deeply affected David’s ministry, who took it upon himself to document the killings and offer sanctuary to those left grieving.

Born in 1957 and raised in Pampanga, David’s formative years were spent in a large family and a diligent education at Ateneo. He rose swiftly within Church ranks, becoming a bishop in 2016. Under his watch, his diocese was consistently hit hard by deaths related to the war.

Each week, bodies were discovered, many belonging to the impoverished youth of his community. David turned his rectory into a refuge for grieving families. His sermons were infused with advocacy for social justice, challenging the silence imposed by fear—a move that earned him the wrath of Duterte.

The former president has a long history of attacking critics, particularly from the Church, which he often accused of hypocrisy and corruption. As David spoke out against the murky waters of power abuse, he became a target of Duterte’s rhetoric. He faced personal attacks and even threats to his life, marking him as a potential drug suspect—a precarious position for any clergy member.

In a notable instance, Duterte declared that any bishop involved in drugs would face dire consequences. Following this troubling rhetoric, David ceased his nightly rosary walks around the cathedral but continued to stand firm in his faith.

“Through all of this, I trust in God,” he stated, maintaining his calls for justice. His resilience sparked inspiration among other religious leaders and ignited a broader civil response.

Unbeknownst to David, his advocacy and bravery were being closely monitored by Pope Francis and the Vatican. In 2019, during a visit to the Vatican, the Pope recognized him amidst fellow bishops, leading to an emotional interaction fraught with reverence. The Pope’s unexpected blessing left David profoundly moved, a moment he would cherish.

In 2022, David’s election as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines symbolized the amplification of his voice on pressing national matters. His recent elevation to cardinals by Pope Francis in 2024 not only acknowledges his courage but highlights ongoing concerns about the Church’s role amid rising authoritarianism.

Today, Cardinal David epitomizes both the risks and rewards of meaningful pastoral leadership. Despite threats and political smear campaigns, he remains committed to serving the vulnerable and voicing the truth. In the shadow of Duterte’s controversial drug war—which now attracts scrutiny from the International Criminal Court—he stands as a persistent advocate for compassion within the Church.

The specter of violence may have dimmed since Duterte’s departure from office, yet Cardinal David’s work is just beginning. “We are shepherds. We are not supposed to run away when the wolves come,” he asserted emphatically. Speaking on lighter matters, he humorously noted regarding AI-generated imagery of the Pope: “With all due respect to his office and to the American people, we’d like him to know it’s not funny.”

Cardinal Pablo ‘Ambo’ David has emerged as a courageous leader during a turbulent chapter in the Philippines under Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. His steadfast opposition to violence reflects a broader struggle for justice and compassion in a wounded society. As he continues to inspire and lead, David’s journey underscores the vital role of faith in confronting tyranny and the need for persistent advocacy in the face of adversity.

Original Source: gulfnews.com