Archbishop of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal wants human rights to be respected while martial rule is implemented in Maguindanao.

Cardinal Vidal said he does not condemn the declaration of martial rule by the president. He said he believes that separation of Church and State should be followed.

He said that he already condemned the massacre in Ampatuan town but said that leaves it up to the government to bring justice to the victims in whatever way the government would like to do it.

The cardinal said that he is not a part of the government.

He only asks the government that in the implementation of martial rule, the human rights of the people should be respected.

The church leader also said that the government should also make sure that they are not harmed. Help or relief should also be given when the people need it.

Cardinal Vidal said that he already received the circular of Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, who has jurisdiction over Maguindanao. He said that Quevedo has also condemned the massacre.

The cardinal also said that he respects the different opinions of different concerned groups regarding the president’s declaration.

His appeal to Cebuanos, however, is to continue praying that the martial law will not be declared in Cebu.

Vidal also asked Cebuanos to be ready to give assistance to the residents of Maguindanao when needed.

Meanwhile, the cardinal said he does not want to give any comment on President Arroyo’s decision to run for a congressional seat in Pampanga. He said that if the Constitution does not prohibit the president from doing so, he does not have the right to meddle on those things.

He said that he respects the freedom of Christians provided that they are not doing anything wrong.

On the allegation that Mrs. Arroyo may use her position to push for a parliamentary government once she is elected in Congress, he said that all of it is just speculation.

He told Cebuanos not to be alarmed.