Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – The Philippines government “must not abandon the peace process in Southern Philippines”, if it is to avoid more massacres such as those in Mamasapano: this is the call launched by Christian and Muslim religious leaders in a joint statement sent to Fides. Standing out among 58 signatures, those of Cardinal Orlando Quevedo and many Bishops, Catholic and Protestant, on the island of Mindanao, and numerous Ulema and other prominent members of the civil society, who have together shouldered commitment for peace a Mindanao.
The statement affirms that, Bangsamoro Basic Law, presently examined by the national parliament, “must be approved if Mindanao is to be transformed from a factory of war, to a factory of prosperity ”. Moreover it is necessary to act in the perspective of “overcoming evil with good”, recalling the tragic and controversial massacre in Mamasapano last month, on 25 January, in which 44 members of Filipino special forces, 18 Muslim rebels and at least 3 civilians were killed.
The statement underlines the urgency of thorough and neutral investigations to explain the events and solemnly declare a desire for peace, for the good of the people of Mindanao, calling for collaboration of all parties involved “in the pursuit of the truth, with humility and justice”.
The leaders say it must be remembered that Filipino Muslims “suffered 300 years of wars led by governments, Spanish, American and Filipino”. Their aspirations for autonomy set within the framework of national integrity – the text reads – must be fulfilled. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/2/2015)
