The Deputy Mayor of the Iranun tribe in Davao City strongly emphasized that Muslims should not be associated with terrorism during the Peace Walk held on Tuesday.
The Peace Walk, with the theme “Prevention of violent extremism,” is in line with the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace.
Deputy Mayor Datu Pamikeren Latip Arumpac, Jr. said their teachings strongly prohibit violence especially terrorism.
“Sa Madrasah,ang tinuturo doon ay Islamic values, which highly prohibits violent extremism lalo na yung tinatawag na terrorism,” he explained.
Furthermore, Datu Arumpac said that the peace walk will give people awareness as to the association of Islam to terrorist activities.
“Napakagandang pagkakataon ito para sabihin na ang Islam ay nangangahulugang “Peace.” Doon nagsisimula ang aming religion dahil itong Islam ay para sa kapayapaan. Sa pangalan pa lang ng aming relihiyon ay wala nang puwang ang tinatawag na terorista.”
Datu Arumpac also said that his office have been conducting information drive, educating people especially community leaders on how to prevent violent incidents from happening as part of their campaign for peace.
‘Peace is a gift’
Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio also imparted her message for the event through a letter read by Maria Luisa Bermudo, Department Head of City Social Services and Development Office.
“Ideologically motivated violence has precipitated devastating consequences to humanity. Thus, your role as proponents of peace is of utmost importance in the persistent effort to stop the tragedy of war and conflict.”
She also mentioned the importance of the youth in achieving peace.
“Your young hearts are the seeds of this peace advocacy. The world is in hopes that in your time, we can attain resolution of conflict, maintain intercultural dialogue, and achieve absolute absence of war.”
The mayor ended her message by saying that peace is not just a government agenda but a global accountability.
“It is a gift we give to ourselves and to the world. Thank you for sharing the gift.”
A total of 250 participants took part of the Peace Walk on Tuesday.
The event was organized by the Heavenly Culture, World Peace and Restoration of Light , in partnership with the 11 tribes of Davao and the Madrasah Comprehensive Development and Promotion Program .
