By Gideon C. Corgue
This was declared by the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace (IFSP) in its official statement released on Monday.
The IFSP is a movement of religious and civil society
leaders of Christians, Muslims and Subanens in Zamboanga del Sur and Pagadian
City organized in 1996.
“We do not only abhor the bloodshed that happened in
Zamboanga City but strongly condemn the acts of individuals and groups that had
caused this tragic event,” said the statement.
“The crisis in Zamboanga City caused by the standoff between elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) loyal to Nur Misuari and government forces, which is now on its eight day, has clearly terrorized and paralyzed a city of nearly one million people,” the statement added.
“The skirmishes between the MNLF armed men and government troops continue for more than a week now did not only cause displacement of nearly 70,000 residents but also the loss of lives and properties.”
The IFSP statement also said the crisis has threatened
the long improved relations among peoples of Mindanao.
The group reminded that the innocent civilians –
Muslims and Christians – are not party to the conflict.
“In solidarity with the people of Zamboanga City and Basilan, and
the entire Mindanao, we join others in prayer for the early resolution to the
conflict through peaceful means and for the safety of the residents of the
affected villages. We also appeal for a thorough investigation of the incident
to ferret out the truth and demand justice for the victims of this unfortunate
incident,” the statement concluded.
The IFSP statement was signed by the head convener, Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar, Muslim convener Sultan Abdul Maguid Maruhom, Subanen convener Timuay Joe Marcial, Roman Catholic Church convener Rev. Father Felix Tigoy, and UCCP convener Pastor Diosdado Marquez, UCCP. (PIA9)