Peace advocates declare universal message of peace on Holy Week

Manila – As the rest of the Christian world and the predominantly Catholic Philippines celebrate the Holy Week, peace advocates has appealed to Filipinos of various creeds and persuasion to embrace the universal message of kindness, love and peace. In light of the ongoing peace process initiatives and the Mamasapano incident, which has polarized public opinion, peace advocates said acts of kindness, love and peace toward each other would go a long way in healing divisions in society. There is more to peace than war, cooperation than conflict, and tolerance than bigotry,” said Yasmira Moner, Women’s Committee Convener of the Young Muslim Professionals Network (YMPN). YMPN is one of the most active and outspoken groups advocating for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. It has engaged in a campaign to educate the public about the BBL. Mamasapano and BBL has become closely associated and interchangeable in the masa’s mind. Informing and educating the people of the facts and historical context of the Mindanao armed struggle are necessary in changing their opinion and worldviews, Moner said. This was seconded by the Mindanao Solidarity Network (MSN), which expressed hope that the people will rise above hate and bigotry biases and learn to work together for peace. May we resurrect from all our prejudices and biases and unite to work for peace. Let us open our heart that the available option is BBL. BBL is not only for the Moro people but for every Filipino,” said Liza Ugay of the MSN. As Christians, we should reflect upon Christ’s death on the Cross and rejoice with his victory over death in his resurrection. He promised peace to all even to the people who hurt him,” Ugay added. Akbayan Youth Vice Chairperson for Mindanao James Alih, an almunos of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung – Academy on Political Management, expressed solidarity to our brothers and sisters as they commemorate the annual Holy Week.” As we approach this Lenten season that heightens one's reflection, we would like to renew our call for understanding and sobriety after the unfortunate events in Mindanao. We further see this as an opportunity to open our hearts and to continue promoting creative solutions to achieve sustainable peace.” He said that In every divergence there is a chance to converge and may this week serve as a time to recollect and to stand side by side in our long struggle for security and development in Mindanao.”