by Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Oct 12 (PIA) – The
Lakbayan Caravan has convened some fifty individuals at the Autonomous Region
in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) compound recently to take part in this year's historic revival of the Lakbayan Para sa
Kapayapaan. This time it is to "witness" the signing of the Framework
Peace Agreement in Manila on Monday.
In a press release,
Samira Gutoc, sectoral representative for women in ARMM said that last November
2011 during Mindanao Week of Peace and Eidul Adha commemoration, Lakbayan para
sa Kapayapaan was joined by hundreds of peace activists from Mindanao and
Manila as they converged in Quezon City Memorial Park.
She said that for
three days, the convoy of 10 vehicles will travel in a symbolic journey of
unity and solidarity among Mindanawons to reach out to Manila.
"This time, we
cannot allow minority anti-peace voice to hostage the evolution of a long and
winding peace talk that has cost almost a million lives,” Gutoc said, noting
that questions of its constitutionality as raised by some critics is “an issue
too premature to speak of when many mothers have lost their children to this
costly conflict.”
Moro civil society
leaders have banded together in showing support in the Government's peace talks
initiative.
"Let us show
the President that he must stick to his guns in supporting this framework,"
said Macaurog Panandigan of Lanao del Sur's two way radio communicators group,
ALERT.
Former human rights
lawyer ARMM Assembly Speaker Rasul Mitmug Jr. spoke of the significance of the
Framework Peace Agreement as a "guidepost to Bangsamoro destiny in its
parliamentary quest for recognition."
"The ARMM
supports people's participation in the peace process and must provide avenues
for awareness to be raised," said ARMM Executive Secretary Anwar Malang.
Gutoc revealed that
a convoy of ten vehicles left Cotabato City to join civil society leaders in
Marawi and to pray Jamaah together later today at a Friday congregational
prayers at the King Faisal Center for Islam, Arabic and Asian studies in MSU
Campus.
The caravan will
take off to Cagayan de Oro for a Press Conference with the Provincial Peace and
Order Council to be organized by members of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club
tonight at the Freedom Park.
From Surigao, they
will ride by barge to Liloan, Cebu then off to Samar then to Sorsogon.
A vigil will be
held on Sunday evening at Mendiola until the awaited signing in Malacanang on
Monday morning.
Other participating
individuals include indigenous peoples’ leader Assemblyman Deonato Mokudef of
Upi, Maguindanao and Lakbayan Caravan lead person Pendatun Disimban of BANGSA
and Reform ARMM Now (RAN).