■ PALMA CALLS ON FAITHFUL TO PRAY FOR PEACE IN MINDANAO
Pray for peace, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma called on the faithful yesterday, for conflict-ridden Mindanao. His message came after bishops in Mindanao urged the National Government to push for means that will pave the way for peace, even if it means declaring martial law in the entire region. In a mass during the Pentecost Sunday with Cebu’s charismatic communities, Palma called for solidarity beyond race, creed or religion. He said he is saddened by the attacks in Marawi that left more than 170 people dead and dozens wounded.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma yesterday called on the faithful to pray for peace, particularly in conflict-ridden Marawi City.
Palma’s appeal was made after bishops in Mindanao urged the National Government to pursue means that will lead to peace, even if it means declaring martial law in the entire region.
During the Pentecost Sunday mass with Cebu’s charismatic communities, Palma also urged the faithful to show solidarity with others, regardless of race, creed or religion.
Palma said he is saddened by the current conflict in Marawi that left more than 170 people dead and displaced thousands of families.
“When we think of what’s happening down south in Marawi, when we think of what is happening in Mindanao where there is a declaration of martial law, when we think of the hundreds who have died, when we reflect on the thousands who are still anxious of their fate and when we think of the churches that were destroyed, then we know how timely the gift of peace is,” said Palma.
Palma also urged President Rodrigo Duterte to come up with a doable solution without causing further death.
In a statement, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo said that they are behind the President in declaring martial law in Mindanao, as a way to remove terrorism in the conflict-ridden region.
“We have many fears. But, at present, we simply do not have solid and sufficient facts to absolutely reject the declaration of martial law as morally reprehensible. But we are certainly agreed that Martial Law must be temporary,” Quevedo said. /