Mindanao-based people's organizations, int'l peace advocates hold dialogue to defy extremism

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Women peace advocates, both national and international, gathered in the North Cotabato provincial capital of Kidapawan City on Saturday to conduct dialogue to counter extremism which has become a global issue threatening many nations.Spearheaded by Jennifer Freeman, Senior Program Officer of Joan B. Croc Institute for Peace and Justice (IPF) of the University of San Diego. Shetalked about Defying Extremismand Asian Dialogue. It was participated by representatives of Magungaya Group, United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD) and Balay Mindanao.With Freeman are groups composed of active women peace advocates from the US, Canada, Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma and counterparts from Pakistan and Nigeria.Local officials said the dialogue was timely as it came while Moro bandits are locked in skirmishes in North Cotabato and Maguindanao and while the country was still reeling from the January skirmishes in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.In the dialogue, the discussions were focused on the roots of conflict in Mindanao and what are the peace initiatives done to respond to the ill effects of war, especially by POs.North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza lauded the initiative as supportive of the peace efforts of her administration.Mendoza hosted the dialogue at the provincial capitol building where the international peace advocates and local counterparts reported about their experiences in conflict situations in which one way or another brought about by extremism and their insights in promoting peace.An open forum followed where anyone was given the chance to air views on the current situation of peace and order in Mindanao and the country as well.Freeman emphasized the need to put in all efforts to promote and maintain peace, address conflict with the right perspective and suppress religious extremism as an international threat.Junalyn Sumlay, Executive Director of Magungaya, a peoples organization, narrated her group's peace initiatives in conflict affected areas in Mindanao.Sumlay admitted women peace advocates have been exhausted and tired of the long drawn armed conflict affecting Mindanao and it’s high time to end all of the misunderstanding and live in peace and harmony as Mindanaoans. It’s been quite long already that the people of Mindanao suffers from the adverse effects of war and just like me, I know you are all tired of war therefore let’s end it and live peacefully,” Sumlay told the forum.Rahib L. Kudto, Program Director of UNYPAD and Rosario Balderia, Project Assistant Manager of Balay Mindanao, also recounted on the peace initiatives and rehabilitation they were doing for many Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) in Mindanao in many years.Kudto particularly reported on Rido” or clan wars which greatly affect the peace and order situation in many areas of Mindanao. These clan wars have caused the death of thousands and destruction of properties as well as livelihood thus preventing the opportunity of economic growth and sustainability, we have to strengthen our peace initiatives to settle and possibly end these in the near future,” Kudto said.Balderia appealed for everyone to double their efforts in bringing back peace in Mindanao. Because of conflict, many children were displaced and not able to go back to homes and schools. We put them in new communities and let them continue their education,” said Balderia.In her message, Mendoza said her administration continue to provide basic services and implement much-needed programs and projects in many villages.She pointed out that in the process of delivering service to the constituents, the Provincial Government of Cotabato does not favor any particular group and maintains to provide equal opportunity to everyone. As your governor, it is my duty and responsibility to ensure that my people are provided with tangible projects and programs that will uplift their living conditions,” she said.The Defying Extremismand Asian Dialogue” held in the provincial capitol is part of the series of dialogues and discussions conducted in many countries.