STATEMENT CONDEMNING THE ZAMBOANGA ATTACK We, the Al Qalam Institute, People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR) Mindanao, MAGNETO and P-CART together with our partners, condemn and denounce, in the strongest possible terms, the violence perpetrated against the innocent civilians of Zamboanga City on the 9th of September. Zamboanga City has, time and again, been a victim of bombings and acts of terrorism. The attack of September 9 by a group of armed men is no different: inhumane, un-Islamic. Lives of innocent civilians have been badly affected; communities gripped with terror and asphyxiated by the seemingly unending war. Reports of civilians being utilized as human shields, add to the inhumanity of the attacks and the cowardly nature of their methods. This attack in Zamboanga City shows the utmost disregard for civility and the process of peace and dialogue, which is the bedrock of a democratic society Based on initial information, there seems to be a deliberate effort to mislead the public by different groups that led to the confusion, panic, and death of civilians. We strongly believe that no political cause could ever justify such immoral and cowardly acts against our own sisters and brothers. We must be constantly reminded that the Holy Qur’an denounces killing a human being and equates the slaying of one human life to that of genocide against mankind. Chapter 5:32 says, “If anyone slays a person, it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.” While the Gospel of John 18:11 condemns violence:”Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath...” We call on the National Government to respect human rights, not to engage in unproductive witch hunt and observe due process to protect both Muslim and Christian civilians. This cowardly act must not justify any form of discrimination. We reiterate our support for the on-going peace talks and call on other institutions to show their support in making lasting peace a reality for the Filipinos in the South. We are hopeful that this Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will benefit the people of Mindanao and hence we call on dissidents to come to the table of dialogue and work together with the GPH and other groups in cementing the road to lasting peace. This recent spate of violence - the attack in Zamboanga City and the series of bombings last August aimed to derail the peace process, will only lead to an unending cycle of violence. The rule of armed intimidation must give way to the rule of law, otherwise Mindanao would become a wasteland. “Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding”- Albert Einstein. Supported by: PPVR Caraga PPVR Davao Del Norte CVA Bukidnon MAGNETO Consortium of Development of Western Mindanao, Inc. PPVC Zamboanga
Posted on: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 04:36:57 +0000
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