Manila, June 7 – As the government raises its stakes in the peace process, it constantly seeks the support of stakeholders in moving forward the negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).
In a recent dialogue with Catholic bishops, priests and lay leaders from the cities of Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati, Government of the Philippines (GPH) panel member Ednar Dayanghirang urged the religious sector to back the decades-old peace talks and continuously engage the community by providing information on the substantive agenda of the talks. The religious sector can also offer spiritual and moral guidance particularly with regard to lowering levels of tension, violence and atrocities.
During the monthly Presbyterium Meeting of the Diocesan Clergy of Tagum at the Clergy Development Center in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, the panel member delivered updates on the peace process between the GPH and the CPP-NPA-NDFP. The meeting was attended by Bishop Wilfredo D. Manlapaz D.D. and more than 50 priests.
Fr. Ulysses Perandos said Dayanghirang's inputs were “very informative and comprehensive," and pledged, on behalf of his fellow clergy, “to do our share as we’ve always been doing and to encourage other people to participate in the government's peace initiatives.”
The Tagum diocese covers the provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley, among the top NPA hotspots in the country. Abundant in mineral resources, these provinces are home to banana plantations which dominate agribusiness investments in the area. These provinces also share borders with other NPA hotspots in Mindanao--Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Agusan del Sur.
Dayanghirang graced a bigger gathering of Catholic religious and lay leaders at the Benedictine Sisters Monastery in Digos City, Davao Del Sur. The meeting was led by Archbishop Fernando Capalla, Bishop Manlapaz, Bishop Patricio H. Alo of Mati City and Bishop Jimmy Afable of Digos City.
Dayanghirang appealed for the support of the Catholic leaders in sharing the information with their respective parishioners. He also stressed that engaging the people in a meaningful peace dialogue will bring their voice to the negotiating table, crucial to the success of the peace talks.
Dayanghirang observed that the call for reduced levels of violence was a common sentiment. Best expressed by one bishop: “What is most important is the urgent need for violence to stop so that the people can continue living normal lives while negotiations are pursued.”
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