Mindanao religious leaders converge, pledge support to PH peace process

COTABATO CITY — Mindanao’s religious leaders gathered here from January 16 to 17 to express their common vision for peace and issue a joint statement on the Mindanao State University-Marawi bombing incident in December of last year.

In a dialogue with the theme, “Peace is Coming Home through Harmony and Solidarity,” ulama from the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta’ and Catholic bishops came together in solidarity and declared their full support to the Philippine peace process.

Dialogue for Peace

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. who was among the event’s guests of honor, emphasized the need for unity among members of the country’s different faiths, as this will be crucial in achieving genuine peace in Mindanao and across the country.

“This interreligious and interfaith dialogue brings hope and bridges diversity,” Galvez said in his remarks, as he noted the crucial role of Ulamas and bishops in the government’s peacebuilding efforts.

He also recalled the significant contributions of the late Davao Archbishop and former Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President, Fr. Fernando R. Capalla in promoting interfaith dialogue, as he strongly advocated for peace, justice, and unity.

“Si Archbishop Capalla, siya po ang naghaharana kapag mainit na ang negotiations sa peace table,” Galvez recalled.

As the peace adviser discussed the milestones and challenges in the implementation of Bangsamoro peace agreements, he asked for the continued guidance and support of the religious leaders in fostering a culture of peace in the region.

“Though we have accomplished a lot in terms of pushing forward the Bangsamoro peace process, there is still a lot of work ahead of us. We must not be complacent…violence and armed struggle have no place in our civilized society,” he said.

“Harmony, dialogue, and mutual respect must reign in us, despite our different views and beliefs,” Galvez added.

During the meeting, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, urged Mindanao’s religious leaders to continue holding such interreligious dialogues.

Ledesma underscored that the joint Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, signed by Pope Francis and Ahmad AlTayyeb, Grand Imam of AlAzher in February 2019, “is the bedrock of the peace process.”

Speaking on behalf of the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta’ Dr. Muhammad Nadzir Ebil, an Islamic Jurist, expressed their support for the interfaith spiritual partnership for peace.

“Islam, is rooted in