GRP-MILF peace talks sought

Christian bishops and Muslim ulamas called yesterday on the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to immediately resume peace talks.

“We appeal for the peace talks between the GRP and the MILF to continue, in whatever level or means possible, and let peace panels be convened as soon as the situation allows it,” the 75-member Bishops-Ulama Conference said in a statement.

“We renew our call for the cessation of hostilities in order to create a climate of peace where diverse voices can confidently be expressed and sincerely heard.”

The statement was issued during the three-day 35th General Assembly in Jolo, Sulu.

It was signed by Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla, Bishop Emeritus of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines Hilario Gomez Jr. and Ulama League of the Philippines leader Hamid Barra.

The bishops and ulamas said the government must enforce the law against those responsible for the violence against civilians in Mindanao.

“We are tapping the resources of our social, religious and academic institutions to help in assessing people’s perception of our situation, in drawing out a common vision of peace, in enriching peace education and in generating new ideas on the broader peace process in our beloved Mindanao,” read the statement.

The bishops and ulamas said they would continue with their interfaith activities and pursue an authentic intra-faith dialogue among their communities.

“We are hoping that through this open communication, we will find a way to face our own share in the prolonged problem in Mindanao as well as discover how we could go beyond our hurts and biases,” read the statement.

“Perhaps this holds a key to more creative solutions to the impasse in our peace process.”

The bishops and ulamas invited all sectors in Mindanao to join the observance of Mindanao week of peace from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3.  – Jose Rodel Clapano, Paolo Romero