by Rev. Dr. Mariano C. Apilado
One of the statements in President Noynoy’s ianugural address that caught my attention was his commitment to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts in Mindanao.
“My government will be sincere in dealing with all peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, inclusive of the interests of all – may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.”
This commitment should be given priority consideration and support, deserving the spirit and sincerity of P-Noy.
What impressed me was the president’s all inclusive view – the interests of all, may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.
We consider this commitment as addressing those engaged in the conflicts, whether they are MILF, MNLF, NDF, government military troops and all those in Mindanao, Muslims, Lumads and Christians.
We want to believe that the interests of everyone should be considered and given attention. And no one in Mindanao should be excluded and not given attention.
Moreover, the concern and efforts of everyone should be directed to the building of peace – in contrast to those interests that try to ignore anyone, or try to pulverize anyone, or try to put one over the other, or try to insist on his/her view regardless of the interests of the others.
We have had experiences of so-called peace negotiators representing the GRP, the Civil Society and the CNN panels claiming that in listening and considering the peace of Mindanao, the only stakeholders are the Philippine government, the National Democratic Front and Civil Society. The rest of the people of Mindanao are only spectators.
In contrast, the commitment of P-Noy is a refreshing assurance that everyone in Mindanao has to be taken seriously and sincerely in the peacebuilding efforts.
We trust that this exclusivist view should be set aside in favor of the inclusivist view that P-Noy has committed his government to pursue.
As a start, we trust that the study made under the leadership of the Bishops Ulama Conference (BUC) that took into consideration views from many sectors could be brought to the attention of those charged with the task of following through the president’s commitment.
There is also the group of Aimmah, Priests and Pastors Forum (APPF) with convenors representing the Muslims, Catholics, Protestants and Lumads which has been conducting fora in Cotabato City, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, Zamaboanga, Digos City and Dansalan City, listening patiently to people’s concerns for peace and peacebuilding.
A newcomer in the peacebuilding efforts is the Peacebuilders Community, a volunteer group of very sincere young men and young women motivated by religious roots and spiritual values who have been making inroads towards the peacebuilding process.
The task of government is to be able to listen to all these voices with the sincerity and inclusive compassion that is embodied in the commitment of P-Noy.
We sincerely support this commitment and in the name of the APPF and all the peoples of Mindanao – Lumads, Muslims and Christians – we pray that this commitment will be pursued with sincerity and determination.
Peace in Mindanao is long overdue. We call upon everyone to give their total support to the just and peaceful settlement of conflicts.
The success of the total peace and progress of the whole Philippines will be determined to a large extent with how this commitment of P-Noy will be sincerely, honestly and wholeheartedly pursued and given support.
