Musicians offer songs, seek end to Zamboanga violence

MANILA, Philippines - An exceptional cast of musicians were expected to hold a concert at Quezon Memorial Circle last night as they join a peace vigil to call for an end to violence in Zamboanga City.

International singer apl.de.ap., Noel Cabangon, Ebe Dancel, Gloc-9, Joey Ayala, Lolita Carbon, Bayang Barrios, Slapshock, Brownman Revival and Jim Paredes,  among other musicians, were set to perform from 5:30 p.m. until midnight during the event dubbed as  “A Nation Praying for Peace.”

Spearheaded by civil society organizations Urban Poor Associates, Women Engaged in Action and Community of Sant’Egidio, the vigil aims to gather various sectors to support the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Zamboanga City and to send good vibes for the rehabilitation of its affected communities.

The vigil coincides with the celebration of International Day of Peace.

“This is to show our support to our fellow Filipinos whose lives have been disrupted by the ongoing armed conflicts, especially in Zamboanga City,” Cabangon, one of the concert organizers, said.

“We recognize that we have a responsibility to help create positive changes one way or the other. And for us artists, our music is our instrument,” he added.

Pray for peace

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) also called on Filipinos to offer prayers for peace in Zamboanga City.

“We urge the public to participate in activities like this, to make a stand for peace. Every Filipino is enjoined to take part as we are one nation that needs to come together to call for an end to violence,” OPAPP communications director Polly Michelle Cunanan said.

“We all need to believe that peace is possible and that despite the Zamboanga crisis, we can unite so a future of peace for the nation and for the Bangsamoro will not be stolen from us,” she added.