12,000 to march for peace in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - More than 12,000 residents of Zamboanga City will march on August 11 to proclaim their advocacy for peace amid the conflict between Muslim and Christian groups in Mindanao.

“Peace does not belong to one person, but it is everyone’s responsibility to become a messenger of peace. If one truly cares for their nation, they would work together to establish an international law for the cessation of war and violence,” said Man Lee, chair of the international non-profit organization Heavenly Culture, World Peace, and Restoration of Light (HWPL) which organized the event. The walk is in response to recent clashed between the Moro National Liberation Front and the local government in Basilan and Sulu.

Prominent religious leaders, such as Archbishop Romulo Dela Cruz and Deputy Mufti for Western Mindanao Sheikh Abdulwakil Tanjilil, as well as government officials, such as Mayor of Zamboanga Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, Governor of Basilan Jum Jainudin Akbar, Vice Governor of Sulu Abdusakur Tan II, Governor of Tawi-Tawi Sadikul A. Sahali, lawyer Paulino Ersando, and Chairman of the Indigenous People Council of Leaders Dr. Pendatun Laja. About 5,500 students from Western Mindanao State University and Ateneo de Zamboanga University will also join the event.

HWPL will host next month a landmark World Alliance of Religions: Peace Summit 2014 in Seoul, South Korea. The summit will bring together top religious and government leaders, as well as the youths from the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the United States.