Some youth who painted their faces and bodies while others with different colored flags as well as indigenous drums and streamers (with Arabic markings) are among the participants during the peace walk Thursday, which marked the start of weeklong celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace.More than 10,000 people from all walks of life Thursday joined the “peace walk” in Zamboanga City, marking the start of the annual celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace from November 27 until December 3.
Youth, students, government employeesm, teachers, leaders of religious and inter-faith organizations as well as members from the multi-sectors took to the streets, carrying streamers with markings peace advocacy slogans.
Starting from the Petit Barracks, the crowd marched to the Joaquin F. Enriquez Sports Complex and gathered there to deliver a call for a peaceful solution to the conflict in the southern Philippines.
“It’s imperative on the communities of Christians, Muslims and Lumads to bring about durable and lasting peace through the integrity of mind and heart, humbly expressed in the reconciling process of repentance and forgiveness,” a joint statement of the Bishops-Ulama Conference said.
“Only this process, bolstered by socio-economic and political projects, can heal the wide wounds of the spirit. We urge all Mindanaoans, our fellow believers, to make this reconciliation process a top priority among our activities during the Mindanao Week of Peace 2008,” it concluded.
In an interview, Father Angel Calvo, president of the Peace Advocates of Zamboanga (PAZ), emphasized the need for the different communities, sectors and groups to engage positively in peace building and peace education.
“This is what we need. Learn about peace, learn how to build peace not only to dream and not only to complain against the officials for they’ve not done enough to maintain peace, but actively participating in peace campaign,” he said.
Atty. Manuel Mamauag, regional director of the Commission on Human Rights IX, on his part, called on the people to give peace a chance to change for a better.
“Why don’t we come out with an all out peace?” Mamauag asked.
He also advised the people to respect their neighbors and fellowmen since it is already an observance of respect for rights and rights to peace.
“Let the people be aware and have this consciousness, put in their minds and hearts,
peace is a result of respect for human rights,” he said.
peace is a result of respect for human rights,” he said.
“There is peace when you respect human rights and fundamental freedom,” the lawyer added.
"Integrity of Mind and Heart: A Way to Reconciliation and Peace" has become the theme of this year's Week of Peace celebration.
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