Communist rebels, who have ignored a two-week Yuletide truce declared unilaterally by the government and killed a civilian during a raid in Samar, announced they would observe their own ceasefire for two days until today and another two days to mark the New Year. But the forces of violence never rest. On the morning before Christmas, near an intersection in Davao City, broadcaster Fernando Lintuan was shot dead in his car near his radio station, dxGO. One of two colleagues with Lintuan in the car survived by pretending to be dead. The gunman then walked casually to a motorcycle and sped away.
The deadly attack on yet another journalist, who had a reputation for hard-hitting commentary, gives greater resonance to the message of peace this Christmas. As families gather on the most joyous day in the Christian world, prayers are offered for all the victims of violence and conflict, particularly children.
Amid the violence and wars, people of different races and faiths are reaching out to each other, sustaining the effort to achieve peace. In the Philippines, Muslims are reportedly greeting Christians and even sponsoring Christmas parties in their communities in Mindanao to promote unity. An interfaith initiative has been launched to build bridges of understanding and foster peace.
The world has never been free of violence and conflict. Filipinos know how elusive peace can be, and not just in the conflict areas of Mindanao. The constant struggle to discourage violence and bring peace is helped along by the things that we associate with Christmas: hope, sharing, love, and an abiding faith in the inherent goodness of people. As the birth of Jesus is celebrated today, we pray for strength in the never-ending struggle for peace.
A blessed, joyous Christmas to all!