Church group marks anniversary of working for peace in Negros

THE Church Military Advisory Group-Negros (CMAG-N), an organization composed of four Catholic dioceses, military units and the police offices in Negros, marked its fourth anniversary of working together and strengthening bonds for peace and development in the island.

The anniversary’s theme is Peace and Development for God’s People – Our Mission, “For we are partners working together for God … (1 Corinthians 3:9).”

Army Information officer Capt. Anacito Naz said the anniversary was celebrated on March 8 with a Holy Mass at the Little Way Seminary in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, followed by a series of presentation updates on peace talks and peace agreements.

Naz said Kabankalan Diocese Bishop Patricio Patricio Buzon expressed in his homily his gratitude for the presence of the military in the remote areas of Kabankalan. He also appreciated the peace and development efforts by the military in the hinterland.

During the Mass, CMAG-N presented and awarded plaques of recognition to people that had contributed to the peace and development efforts in the area. Recognitions were given to Most Rev. Jose Advincula Jr., former Bishop of San Carlos Diocese, retired major general Vicente Porto, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Brig. Gen. Manuel Luis Ochotorena and other military officials.

Negros Occidental 6th district Rep. Mercedes Alvarez acknowledged the army’s peace and development activities in the conflict-affected areas in her district.

She added that the army serves as the catalyst in the successful delivery of basic social services to the less privileged residents in the area.

Church and military officials from the two provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental took turns in giving their messages during a forum and a video presentation of CMAG-N’s accomplishments.