We value with outmost concern PEACE. As the language of our soul, it cries out to heavens to intercede on the situation in Mindanao. Latest pronouncements of "Jehad" and the stubborn commitment of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) to waging war will lead only the country to desperation as projections of blood and death shall flow over the promised land. This madness should be stopped. "Turn your swords into plowshares and make way for peace".
War is designed for enmity. It does not spell victory for the people. Rather, it predicts misery and destitution. War claims no victors, only victims.
Atrocities have already claimed 11,000 displaced families in Central Mindanao, not to mention the toll it has exacted on their livelihood and properties, the children are dying, women are panting... the mindanaoans are suffering from the malady not of their doing.
We abhor the terrorist acts of Abu Sayyaf. We know for one that the Abu Sayyaf is a group of die-hard bandits, which nourish its organization from extortions and kidnappings. We are aware of its ideological and political bankruptcy. We know fully well the government's role of its creation in 1992. And, we believe, if the government forces are sincere for peace, this group can de-cease with just a snap of its gods in camouflage.
The active engagement of Abu Sayyaf has only one thing to prove. They exist for a reason, top officers and generals only know. They serve a purpose, only the government and politicians can claim - to legitimize its "all out war" in Mindanao, sow enmity between peoples (Christians vs. Muslims) and to gain leverage in political sphere.
To the GRP and MILF, listen to the cry of the poor - the victims of war. We demand immediate ceasefire from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Going back to the peace table is not that hard. It becomes difficult only when we shut-off every possibilities for dialogue even as we have not fully exhausted them yet.
We recognize the struggle of the Moro people as represented by the MILF. They have all the rights to development and chart their destiny as a people. We recognize the responsibility of the state to protect and defend the welfare of its citizens. And, we challenge the government to honor it now. Engaging in an all-out military option will certainly not resolve the long-standing conflict in the land. Nay, it will only aggravate the history of national oppression of the Moro people and slap a mockery on our noble aspirations as guardians of our peoples' rights.
We firmly believe goodness is still present in the conflicting parties' hearts and minds. With high hopes, we reiterate our call
IMMEDIATELY DECLARE MULTILATERAL CEASEFIRE,
SINCERELY GO BACK TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE,
STOP THE WAR IN MINDANAO.
For our Muslim and Christian sisters and brothers:
Now is the time to hold on to each other. Let not deception divide us. Lest, our lives will be a constant bondage of hatred. Let the grandeur of our faith to Allah and to God impel us for a deeper solidarity with one another. Let the bonding kindle the power in us to assert our common aspiration for PEACE.
Peace Not War Movement Peace NoW)
Secretariat: c/o PAHRA Office
Room 403, FMSG Bulding
# 9 Balete Drive, New Manila, Quezon City
Tel.# 721-7814
Authenticated by:
Renato G. Mabunga
Deputy Secretary General
PAHRA
