‘Mud Walk’: Pope Francis asked to fight for Yolanda victims

MANILA, Philippines – Artists stormed the Apostolic Nuncio Thursday, January 15, asking for Pope Francis’ help to uplift the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) from the “social injustices done by the Philippine government.”

The artists from activist group Sining Bugkos covered themselves in mud and marched from St Anthony’s Church to the pope’s residence in Manila.

“Together with the people of Eastern Visayas and other provinces affected by Yolanda and other calamities, may Pope Francis lift us out of the muds of social injustices and the lack of accountability from our government in terms of disaster preparedness and poor disaster response,” Crisanto De Leon, Sining Bugkos spokesperson, said. 

Yolanda pounded the Philippines on November 8, 2013, killing more than 6,000 people and leaving millions more without homes. The Philippine government had been criticized for its slow response and rehabilitation of the ravaged areas. 

“Things haven’t changed in the affected areas. Justice has not been given to the victims. Until now, they’re crying out for help,” De Leon added.

‘Still in the mud’

The artists said covering themselves in mud symbolizes their solidarity with the plight of Yolanda victims and survivors.

“By holding this mud walk for Yolanda victims, we hope to catch the attention of Pope Francis to see the real state of the typhoon victims,” De Leon added.

The artists tried to leave a letter for the pope but they were stopped by police and military officers in the barricades. The activists were soon escorted out of the restricted area by security officers.

De Leon said he hopes the pope will look beyond the facade created by the Philippine government and be one with the victims of Yolanda. (READ: Recovering from Yolanda)

“We hope that Pope Francis will join the people in asking for justice for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda,” he concluded. 

The group’s letter can be found below:

– Rappler.com