Monday, April 22, 2024

Tag: Bombing

Mindanao religious leaders take joint stand to condemn peace spoilers

Posted on by cmn

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (January 22, 2024/PIA)– Mindanao religious leaders, representing both Muslim and Christian faiths, have joined forces in a resolute stand against those who seek to disrupt peace in the region

Their unified voice condemned the “heinous sacrilegious” bombing incident that took place during a Catholic Mass at the Mindanao State University (MSU) campus on December 3, 2023.

These religious leaders asserted in a joint statement dubbed “Religions are for Peace” that the teachings of every religion in the world condemn the killing of innocent bystanders and religious believers as a demonic act.

The statement highlighted a shared condemnation from both Islamic and Christian perspectives, emphasizing that terrorism under the guise of religion contradicts the fundamental teachings of both faiths.

“The killing of innocent civilians by terrorists under the guise of religion is a condemnable and cruel irreligious act that defiantly contradicts both Muslim and Christian beliefs,” said the joint statement.

The declaration emerged following a two-day dialogue for peace held in Cotabato City from January 16 to 17 to address concerns about the durability of the peace process among Christian and Muslim communities in Mindanao and allay the anxieties of many students and families not only in Marawi but also throughout the entirety of Mindanao.

The joint statement was signed by His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo (Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Cotabato), Most Reverend Angelito Lampon (Archdiocese of Cotabato), Most Reverend Antonio Ledesma (Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro), Most Reverend Edwin de la Peña (Bishop of the Prelature of Marawi), Pastor Brayan Saguban (River of God/Evangelical Denomination), Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta Executive Director Emran Mohamad, Islamic Jurist Dr. Muhammad Nadzir Ebil (Bangsamoro Darul Ifta), and Datu Mussolini Lidasan, executive director of Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia – Ateneo de Davao University.

Bishop de la Peña conveyed the impact of the dialogue, particularly among the Christian settlers of Marawi, stating, “Now the people in my area who experienced so much trauma and so much pain can now rejoice over the fact that the religious leaders of the Bangsamoro are one with us so we can move on.”

The religious leaders also emphasized the need to be proactive against similar terrorist acts by imparting to their constituencies the true teachings of religious traditions and sacred scriptures.

The religious leaders likewise underscored the importance of proactively countering terrorism by imparting the true teachings of religious traditions and sacred scriptures to their constituents. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and objectives of the peace process between the Bangsamoro and the Government of the Philippines, fostering a collective responsibility and renewed dedication to achieving enduring peace.

Recognizing the efficacy of inter-religious dialogues in establishing a culture of peace, mutual respect, and understanding, the leaders pledged to continue conducting religious exchanges. Their commitment extends to bringing these dialogues to the grassroots level, spreading the culture of peace throughout the entire island of Mindanao.

“We hope to continue this religious dialogue not only among ourselves but down to the grassroots level so that we can spread the culture of peace throughout the island of Mindanao,” said Archbishop Ledesma.

The dialogue and subsequent signing of the joint statement were facilitated by the international NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Philippines and supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

Prominent religious leaders in Mindanao hold a two-day dialogue in Cotabato City on January 16-17, 2024 to address concerns about the resilience of the peace process among Christian and Muslim communities in Mindanao and alleviate anxieties among students and families across Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of HWPL Philippines)

Mindanao LGUs bring home students after blast; Marawi extends help

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 4, 2023, 8:49 am) – Some local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao on Sunday extended their support to their residents studying at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur

After the MSU Marawi campus suspended classes following an explosion that killed four and injured 50 people, several students sought assistance for transportation back to their hometowns.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the MSU Emergency Task Force said they were coordinating with police and military authorities, as well as meeting with Marawi CDRMMO and the provincial government, as it emphasized there were no recommendations for campus lockdown and evacuation of students.
“We urge the university constituents to remain calm but cautious. We urge the students to remain in their dormitories, boarding houses, and homes inside the campus until further notice,” the Task Force said.
Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) to provide vehicles to assist students out of the campus.
“All students can take the ride even non-residents of Iligan,” he said.
The first batch of 60 students arrived in Iligan City past 3 p.m. and were given initial relief by the City Social Welfare and Development.
Siao also issued an executive order setting up checkpoints on key highways in Iligan.
Mayor Rolando Uy of this city, meanwhile, tasked its CDRRMO to dispatch a team to get students bound for the city and nearby towns.
Mayor Lemuel Meyrick Acosta of Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental said there were 42 students expected to be brought home.
Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal Sr. also mobilized transportation to evacuate students with two buses on standby.
The municipalities of Wao, Lanao del Sur, and Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental are also coordinating with students wishing to be brought home.
The province of Zamboanga del Sur responded to a post on social media from a student who was requesting to be transported back home.
In the aftermath of the blast, the campus community and Marawi City residents also provided relief.
Maruhom-Jalaluddin Ronsing, Education Program Specialist at MSU Shariah Center, shared photographs of faculty, staff, and students volunteering to prepare food for those who remained on the campus and inside their dormitories.
Business owners also offered free food to MSU students afraid to come out, while other residents offered their homes as temporary refuge.
Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra said the incident should not be allowed to undermine the good relationship that exists between Muslim and Christian communities in the city.
“Our city has long been a beacon of peaceful coexistence and harmony, and we will not allow such acts of violence to overshadow our collective commitment to peace and unity,” he said.
Gandamra also urged the public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading unverified information about the incident.
He said the public must rely on official reports from the authorities to obtain accurate information.
Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto-Adiong said its office would extend medical assistance to the injured victims.
“We will work closely with the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to sort this out and arrest the perpetrators behind this barbaric attack,” he said. (Nef Luczon and Leah Agonoy/PNA)