Interfaith group urges deeper participation in peace efforts
text DARWIN T. WEE

HAVE we lost our capacity to be affected by the wounds of others? Apparently, we think that simply being left alone is the answer to the troubles that are oftentimes exported to our shores or to the wars that more regrettably devastated our neighbors and fellowmen."

This concern was expressed by the members of the Inter-Religious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP) during the Zamboanga-based group's monthly meeting last Saturday, April 8.

The observation is part of a formal statement by the IRMSP in response to the discussions by different local sectors during the dialogue conducted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in Zamboanga City last March 27.

The subject of the dialogue was the ongoing peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The IRMSP members in their statement said: "As we view all our national and local struggles in building a just and lasting peace in accordance with our common religious as well as democratic beliefs and aspirations, we recognize the tremendous complexity and sensitivity that all these efforts entail.

This has led to two realizations – that this peace process is fragile and delicate, and that we each are duty-bound to do our part to realize a fair, workable and durable compact."

During the meeting, some members noted that the 1996 peace agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has failed to lead to the peace and development in Mindanao which the accord had promised, even while Bangsamoro restiveness continues to hinder socio-economic progress. They fear that the futile fate.

Fr. Angel Calvo, the group's Catholic convenor, said "concerned citizens should support and help work out a peaceful process."

"This meeting serves not only as a fellowship for us but to share with each other our common concerns," he said, adding that "as an instrument of God everybody should uphold the peace process and allow it to flourish in one's life."

He added that local stakeholders of peace should not only say "No" but "to say something in supporting the process, which is the real challenge."

IRMSP members expressed concern and disappointment over the lack of local public debate over the pros and cons of GRP-MILF proposals that would form the points of their forthcoming agreement.

The meeting was jointly presided by Commission on Human Rights Regional Director Atty. Jose Manuel Mamauag and former Regional Director of the Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) Caloy Bandaying.

IRMSP meets once monthly to discuss current issues and group projects."We believe that the peace talks are but a part of a broader peace process. To us this comprehensive process should be transparent (and) pursued by peaceful means, aim for justice for all, lead to reconciliation and healing, be pluralistic and participatory among allconcerned peoples, and be open to the best possible options for peaceand development," the IRMSP asserted. (PAZ PRESS RELEASE)