The Philippine office of the papal charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) decried as “persecution” the criminal charges filed against some bishops and priests.

ACN, a group that supports churches in difficult situations, came to the rescue of the clergymen who are accused of sedition and other crimes.

“Such charges against them constitute persecution of the church,” said Mr. Jonathan Luciano, ACN Philippines national director.

“These charges are devoid of truth and justice, decency and respect for their human dignity,” he said.

The complaints stemmed from a viral video on social media linking President Duterte and his family to the illegal drug trade.

As a group that helps persecuted Christians, Luciano said they are saddened over the “baseless accusations” against the church leaders.

The Justice department on Friday started its preliminary probe into the police’s charges of inciting to sedition, cyber libel, and obstruction of justice against 36 people, mostly government critics.

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