Multi-sec groups join Mindanao week of peace celebration

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, December 5 (PIA) –- An estimated 2,000 people converged on Thursday at Plaza Luz to join the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) celebration.

The celebration which carries the theme: “ Love of God and Love of Neighbor, A challenge for Mindanao,’’ kicked off with a motorcade dubbed “ride for peace” which started from Pagadian to Labangan and ended at Plaza Luz with an opening  program.

Multi-stakeholders from the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace (IFSP), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, academe actively supported the activity.

IFPS Catholic convenor Rev. Father Felix Tigoy in his message said we are celebrating week of peace because peace is still elusive.  “We did not yet fully experienced true peace in us,” Tigoy declared.

Tigoy said we need to establish peace and continue to strive attaining true and lasting peace.

“We need to work for it daily and we make sure that our efforts are anchored on the social order imposed by God” saying that real peace is something to do with harmony, integrity, wholeness, and wellness.

“Peace is built daily in pursuit of God’s order.  It is not merely the absence of war and cessation of hospitalities but the presence of justice,” Tigoy added.

Meanwhile, Civil Military Operations officer Lt. Col. Cornelio Arboleda, who represented Tabak commander MajGen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III said the 1^st infantry (TABAK) division is strongly supporting the “week of peace” celebration.  “AFP’s peace advocacy which was embodied in the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) dubbed “Bayanihan” campaign is true and sincere manifestation of our support to the government’s peace initiatives,” Arboleda announced.

Various activities were also lined up in the weeklong (Nov.29-Dec.5) celebration to include press conference, ride for peace and tri-people women’s rights forum, to name a few.

The celebration is pursuant to Proclamation Order 127 issued on November 26, 2001 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declaring the last Thursday of November up to the first Wednesday of December of every year thereafter as Mindanao Week of Peace. (JPA/GCC/PIA,Pagadian City)