MANILA, (PNA) – Catholic prelates of Mindanao are one with other religious leaders — Muslims, Christians, and Lumad – in praying for peace to reign in the region.
“As leaders of our Catholic communities, we join hands with other religious leaders — Muslims, Christians, and Lumad — in praying and working for peace. Peace, yes; war, never,” said the bishops in a statement entitled, “We Want Peace, Not War.”
They noted that the country has joined Pope Francis in a Day of Prayer and Penance for World Peace, particularly in the war-torn country of Syria last Sept 7.
They said it’s time for the people to pray for our country and to have peace in Mindanao.
“Now we also offer our prayers for peace in Mindanao. The theme of the coming Mindanao Week of Peace best sums up our aspirations: “Dialogue and Hope are the Key to Peace.”
At the same time, the prelates expressed sadness over the conflict in the region and condemn the acts by those behind the conflict.
“We, Catholic Bishops of Mindanao, are deeply saddened and disturbed by this terrible tragedy to human life and property…We condemn the terror that has been inflicted onan entire city. We condemn the inhumane act of using hostages as human shields.”
Likewise, the Mindanao bishops expressed their solidarity with all those affected, Muslims and Christians alike.
They also asked the Moro National Liberation Front and the government to negotiate for the release of hostages.
“We also appeal to them to discuss the deeper issues regarding the ongoing MILF-GPH peace negotiations that the armed groups wanted to raise by their action,” the prelates added.
They are also counting on the statement of the government that the peace agreement with the rebel group is still in effect.
“We are assured by the statements of government officials that the MILF and MNLF peace issues are “complementary,” that the 1996 Peace Agreement has not been terminated, and that “the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its Annexes will build on the Final Peace Agreement with the MNLF,” the Catholic bishops added.
Those who signed the statement are: Bp. Guillermo Afable (Digos); Bp. Jose Colin Bagaforo (Cotabato); Bp. Emmanuel Cabajar (Pagadian); Bp. Antonieto Cabajog (Surigao); Bp. Jose Cabantan (Malaybalay);
Abp. Fernando Capalla (Davao); Bp. Romulo de la Cruz (Kidapawan); Abp. Jesus Dosado (Ozamis); Bp. Elenito Galido (Iligan); Bp. Dinualdo Gutierrez (Marbel); Bp. Martin Jumoad (Isabela);
Abp. Antonio Ledesma (Cagayan de Oro); Msgr. Crisologo Manongas (Zamboanga); Bp. Nereo Odchimar (Tandag); Abp. Orlando Quevedo (Cotabato); Bp. George Rimando (Davao); Bp. Julius Tonel (Ipil); Abp. Romulo Valles (Davao).