STATEMENT that was shared by a group that offered to bridge government with the MNLF armed men on DAY 2 of the crisis through religious leaders. TO SILENCE THE GUNS AND SAVE LIVES: A STATEMENT OF THE INTERRELIGIOUS SOLIDARITY FOR PEACE, 14 SEPTEMBER 2013 IN ZAMBOANGA CITY In the early morning of 9 September 2013, the people of Zamboanga were roused by explosions and gunfire that resulted in hysteria, some casualties and injuries, and displacement. The events have drawn attention from all fronts, including international, and have raised a host of humanitarian concerns ranging from the needs of evacuees, the release of hostages, and the reduction of the violence and firepower that have marked the standoff between Philippine security forces and the MNLF (Misuari) forces. All these serve to underscore, now more than ever, the difficulties and complications involving the search for peace in Mindanao. Alas, it is the poor and innocent who die and suffer in this senseless violence. Regardless of how lofty the cause, there is no justification in the use of violence against defenseless citizens, the ordinary people who most love and only wish to work in peace. With the attack, thousands of children were suddenly hijacked of their school and play, families suddenly losing houses and livelihoods and loved ones, wholesale terror and anger suddenly seizing a whole city. In the strongest terms possible, we express our outrage and declare that this kind of violence has no place among the peace-loving people of Zamboanga and its environs. In view of the gargantuan humanitarian crisis that has emerged up to the sixth day of these fateful events - 63,000 displaced persons in over 40 evacuation centers which is our top concern - we appeal on the Philippine Government and the Moro National Liberation Front (Misuari group): 1. To immediately effect a humanitarian ceasefire to allow the release of civilian hostages, especially the children, the elderly, the persons with disabilities, the curing of the sick, and the burying of the dead; 2. (for the MNLF) To leave all the hostages in one safe place for them to be immediately fetched and their needs attended to. 3. For Ustadz Malik’s group to be allowed safe conduct pass and for such pass to be guaranteed by President Aquino and witnessed by Indonesia. We support the pronouncement of the Philippine Government for the resumption of Tripartite talks with the MNLF and for the latter to continue to carry its grievances to the peace table. For the sake of the people of Zamboanga and Mindanao, especially the Bangsamoro , the MNLF must seriously consider the public assurance of national government to carry on the talks with Indonesia as facilitator. At the end of the day, peace must prevail. But there can be no peace and harmony in any society without rule of law. Lastly, we urge the authorities to act with dispatch and righteousness, address and manage the crisis with utmost sobriety and efficiency. The sooner this crisis is resolved, the faster we shall achieve normalcy and peace. Our call: “SILENCE THE GUNS AND SAVE LIVES!!!” May God save Zamboanga and her people!!! SIGNED: FR. ANGEL C. CALVO, CMF REV. PAULINO R. ERSANDO Lead Convener Evangelical Convener PROF. ALI T. YACUB, AL-HAJ MR. NULHAMDO P. CEGALES Muslim Convener Indigenous Peoples Convener
Posted on: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 06:48:51 +0000
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