By
Jong Cadion
PAGADIAN
CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 22, 2017) - The Mindanao Peace Weavers (MPW)
group of non-government organizations held its "KAMBABID-BABID"
70-delegation peace and solidarity mission at the Joint Task Force Marawi
headquarters in Marawi City on Tuesday (June 20), military official said.
Since
2003, the MPW has been conducting peace-building initiatives by engaging the
government, security sector, and the other peace stakeholders for meaningful
participation of civil society on matters of peace, security and development.
Task
Force Marawi Spokesperson Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera disclosed that the group led
by peace advocates from the religious sector, women leaders, educators, civil
society organizations and humanitarian volunteers from Manila and the Visayas
offered words of wisdom through prayers, support and sympathy.
"As
peace advocates, the situation in Marawi breaks our hearts as we continue to
monitor how the prolonged engagement with the Maute group is taking a heavy
toll on the number of the fallen in the unfolding days. Our hearts also bleed
for the innocent children, women, and elderly who have fled, bled, died or
still continue to be trapped in the city for more than three weeks now,"
said Gus Miclat, Executive Director of Initiatives for International Dialogue
and Secretary General of MPW.
“Violent
extremism is a scourge that we need to fully address as a nation. Let the
continuing saga of Marawi being torn apart serve as a reminder that have to do
our part in the fight against violent and terroristic acts. We appreciate that
the government offered the Independence Day commemoration as a tribute to our
fallen soldiers and policemen. We hope to offer the same recognition to the
civilians who have died in the siege. We would like to accord them the respect
they deserve,” Miclat said.
The
mission is part of MPW’s “Duyog Ramadhan,” which for many years has been part
of a tradition among non-Moro peace advocates in promoting interfaith and
cultural understanding and dialogue during the Ramadhan season.
The
delegation was composed of 70 peace advocates from other provinces of Mindanao,
Metro Manila and the Visayas including Lanao civil-society organizations, Ranao
Rescue Team, and Saving Lives Movement.
Brig.
Gen. Rolly Bautista, Commander of Joint Task Force Marawi said: “We appreciate
the Mindanao Peace Weavers’ initiatives in being one with the Armed Forces’
advocacy in promoting peace and unity among Filipinos in Mindanao. If every
Filipino would embrace the ideals of peace loving and God-fearing attitude of
MPW delegates, we are well on our way to a united and prosperous nation.”
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