YOUNG LEAD THE ELDERLY IN ZAMBOANGA PEACE CAMPAIGNS Starting today, young people across Mindanao inspired by online solidarity to denounce violent incidents across Mindanao prominent of which is in Zamboanga come together to lead the elderly and other sectors of society in several events. A Walk for Peace in Zamboanga will start this early 5 am after Islamic Subuh prayers from the KFC, Nunez, then Garden Orchid and then to the Grandstand where some 10,000 evacuees are located. Tomorrow, Mindanao State University students in the main campus led by the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Lanao and other youth leaders will walk from the Peace Plaza around the 35,000 populated campus in the Islamic City of Marawi. The text and online campaigners are also urging groups and individuals to issue statements of solidarity as civil society in Zamboanga texted their appeals to both the Government and the MNLF . Father Albert Alejo of the Ateneo de Zamboanga texted the 7 appeals to include that the “President take over the crisis management committee and declare a national calamity to provide assistance to those affected by conflict and immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow the curing of the sick and burial of the dead.” The young people are also inspired by a conviction that a change in the inner lives of individual human beings must be at the heart of building a culture of peace. And we are convinced that open-minded dialogue, however inconspicuous the initial results, is the best and most effective catalyst for such”. Young Moro Professionals Network of Lanao del Sur with student leaders of Xavier University and other Cagayan de Oro campuses have issued a statement in support of their fellow bangsa in Zamboanga and called for a ceasefire in a meeting of young Shariah lawyers and activists yesterday in Divisoria. Many economic and official activities have been lost because of the 7 day stand-off. They also urge institutions to facilitate the academic mainstreaming of understanding the roots of conflict. Many Meranaos hold office in Zamboanga City and are vendors in various places to include Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi where a conflict could spill over. “Culture of Peace” is a concept that rejects violence and conflicts by having dialogues between individuals, groups / ‘Run For Peace’ strives to create awareness and understanding of the importance of developing a culture of peace within ourselves and our community. Check facebook page pray4zamboanga for developments and statements .
Posted on: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 21:31:52 +0000