The press conference called for by civil societies yesterday morning has drawn optimistic impression that peace in Mindanao can be achieved if panels and other quarters return to the negotiating table and work for true accord.

Sultan Maguid Maruhom, Executive Director of Ummah Fi Salam, Halil Salamat, Regional Chairperson of Mindanao Alliance for Peace, and Ferrer Marcaban of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, were definitive when they claim that aside from compromise, a requirement for harmony among Muslims and Christians is to unite and to work hand in hand.

Well, those word lines are common and overused. But with trained mission and vision for immediate resolve of conflict-prone communities, those phrases will prove its own potency.

During the conference, which was attended by the tri-media of Pagadian, one would learn that peace-building efforts are anchored to on two general things.

First, unity requires that we impose ourselves willingness to discuss all matters instead of battering one another about some matters. We know it is impossible to persuade all men to agree on all matters. Perhaps, the least we can do is to consider all things and hope opposing ideas meet halfway. And one way of relieving tension is to get together and see whether ideas and proposals can be settled.

Second, as hostilities are deepening by the hour, information and education, as

Sultan Maruhom pointed out, must be the object of advocacies so that people are not misled and misinformed about subtle issues, e.g., MOA-AD.

Indeed, lack of education and information among our people poses danger to regional peace. With basic understanding, it is remote that we endanger peace through malevolence. And we do not consent to ill-will toward any other communities. On the other hand, if we remain passive and if we do not educate ourselves with the fundamental issues, we can easily blunder into hysterical actions.

Take for example the MOA-AD, which the Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional. Our convictions may be mistaken if we do not read the content and that we only heed from unreliable sources and hearsay. We cannot even create an independent opinion if we do not understand the whole scenario.

As the press conference went on, media practitioners were glad that at least the civil societies had expressed concern over the plight of peace process, particularly on the GRP-MILF-MNLF negotiations. And we realized that the imperative ingredients of Mindanao peace are trained intelligence, love of communities, and the understanding of its ideals.

We thanked the hosts, Sultan Maguid Maruhom, Halil Salamat, and Ferrer Marcaban for shedding some light on peace issues. After the media briefing, which was facilitated by Ms. Leah Agonoy, a peace rally followed at the Plaza Luz. Delegates from Zamboanga del Norte, Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur Provinces converged at the venue. (nmbdablo@yahoo.com)

Last update: 22-02-2009 00:31