APEC and France’s terrorist attacks
THERE’S no truth to the rumor that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indonesian President Joko Widodo skipped the APEC Summit in Manila because of the “tanim-bala” (bulletplanting) scam.
* * * People are asking why the government chose to hold the APEC meeting in Manila, citing numerous disadvantages. Consider the cancellation of 1,125 domestic and 239 international before and during flights, greater security risk in the populous metropolis, suspension of classes and offices for one week, the re-routing of traffic to already congested thoroughfares. On the latter, some commuters call it the “APEX of Inconvenience.”
* * * Well-meaning people like former President Fidel Ramos said holding the APEC outside Manila like Subic or Clark would have been the best venue.
But that’s water under the bridge now. Let’s just pray that everything will turn out well — and be humble to learn from the wisdom of tried and tested leaders.
We hope, too, that the APEC will be less socials but more SOCIAL ACTION.
* * * TERROR ATTACKS. As shock waves of grief and fear gripped the French people so was the outpouring of sympathy, support, and solidarity that followed from people all over the world.
Holy Father Pope Francis felt deep sadness that the Islamic State jihadists were using the name of God, shouting “Allahu Akbar” as they sprayed bullets and exploded bombs on innocent civilians.
*** What’s adding insult to injury is that the jihadists on Twitter immediately praised the attackers and criticized France’s military operations against Islamic State extremists in Syria.
*** A few weeks ago during the Ramadan, Islamic State group spokesman Abu Mohammed al-Adnani called for Muslims to engage in jihad (holy war) and become martyrs even during Ramadan.
“The best acts that bring you closer to God are jihad, so hurry it and make sure to carry out the invasion this holy month and be exposed to martyrdom in it,” Adnani said.
*** Orthodox Muslims slam the religious teachings of their extremist brothers. The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Madani, has called on Muslims, including those in the Philippines, to reject extremists who portray their struggle as jihad.
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The paramount question is: How can the peace-loving and good Muslims like Iyad Madani stop their militant brothers from instigating terror attacks and senseless violence?
*** EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS AT PINK SISTERS. The public is invited to the 28th Eucharistic Congress on Nov. 28, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration starts at 6:30am. For the first 2,000 registrants, registration, snacks, and lunch are free.
* * * There will be a procession and benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament followed by a Solemn Holy Mass to be presided by Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, auxiliary bishop of San Fernando, Pampanga.
*** Venue: St. Joseph’s Adoration Convent, 71 Hemady Ave. corner 11th St. New Manila, Quezon City. For inquiries, call Pink Sisters Convent at 722-8828.
*** It’s my BIRTHDAY today. Please say a little prayer for me.
*** ST. JUDE. Today, Thursday, join us in our novena to St. Jude Thaddeus at the Divine Word Shrine, Christ the King Seminary, on E. Rodriguez Boulevard, Quezon City, after the 6 p.m. Mass.
A healing pray-over and anointing of holy oil will follow.