PRESS RELEASE

March 26, 2011

For immediate release

With the looming execution in China of three Filipinos found guilty of drug trafficking, Bishop (Bro.) Eddie Villanueva, International President of the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide (JILCW) and Chairman Emeritus of the Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM), called on all Christian churches in the Philippines to pray for the granting of clemency to the three Filipinos during mass and worship services on Sunday.

“Following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ’s compassion, I admonish all our Christian churches to pray for clemency or sentence commutation for the three Filipinos scheduled for execution in China on March 30. Let us hold on to Proverbs 21: 1 that our God may move the hearts of Chinese authorities to grant clemency to our three compatriots,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva emphasized the need to pray as a nation to give hope to the three who are set for execution having been found guilty of drug crime: Elizabeth Batain, Sally Villanueva, and Ramon Credo.

The Christian leader also said that being overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the three might have been left with no choice but to obey their respective employers when asked to smuggle illegal drugs.

“Out of compassion for these OFWs forced to work abroad and their families, let us fulfill our Christian mandate to pray. Also, as Filipinos, let us together implore the Almighty God as mandated by our very own Constitution.”

A united prayer is an effective complement to current government efforts to save Batain, Villanueva, and Credo, Villanueva said. “The government should not leave any single stone unturned in convincing Chinese authorities in commuting the punishment for the OFWs,” the spiritual leader added.

Villanueva also noted that a recent crime policy in China provides for severe punishment or death sentence for masterminds of crimes which include drug trafficking, but provides leniency for offenders who were forced to join or played minor roles in such crimes. “OFWs which include domestic helpers who are forced to look for employment outside the country should be given leniency and mercy. Blessed are those who show mercy for they will be shown mercy, the Bible says,” Villanueva said.

“I pray that the Christian community may be an instrument of hope for the marginalized sectors of our society in such a time as this,” Villanueva said. ###

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