ILIGAN CITY — On the International Day of Peace, advocates called for greater actions to help build a culture of harmony in the country that has seen devastations from various conflicts.
“Today, as we observe the International Day of Peace, let us reaffirm our commitment to a nation united by peace, progress, and prosperity. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity encourages every Filipino to embrace a culture of peace, where dialogue, understanding, and cooperation are the cornerstones of our interactions,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a statement.
“Guided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr’s call, the government will be pursuing principled and peaceful resolutions to all internal armed conflicts as part of our national collective quest for a more just, equitable, and inclusive society for all Filipinos. Let us work together to address the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and injustice, by shoring up peace investments to the countryside and vulnerable communities,” he added.
Galvez noted that the country’s peacemaking experience has made it “a potential global model for its success in resolving internal armed conflicts.”
READ: Marcos vows to implement all signed peace pacts during his term
The government has so far entered into peace agreements with four armed revolutionary groups, the most recent one being that with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2014.
“For years, it has demonstrated that principled diplomacy and peaceful solutions are not only possible but essential for sustainable development and lasting harmony,” Galvez pointed out.
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Nongovernment group Balay Mindanaw expressed hope unity talks between the government and the communist rebels would finally bear fruit.
“As we commemorate this important day, we are filled with hope for the potential of the Government of the Philippines (GPH)-National Democratic Front (NDF) peace process, especially following the 2023 Oslo Joint Statement. We acknowledge the efforts of both Parties to explore innovative ways to advance the peace negotiations and to address the complex causes of the violent conflict,” said Karlos Manlupig, Balay Mindanaw executive director.
READ: Gov’t, communists agree to revive peace talks
The group commended the Royal Norwegian Government for its “steadfast commitment to facilitating this important process.”
“We (also) affirm our commitment to supporting the Bangsamoro peace process, recognizing its vital role in fostering lasting peace and stability in the Philippines,” Manlupig added.
But he expressed concern over “persistent cases of killings” especially among the indigenous peoples within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and “the continuing struggles of Marawi City residents to rebuild their lives and reclaim their homes” after they were displaced by the five-month war in 2017 between government forces and Islamic State-linked militants.
Abelardo Moya, chair of the Iligan City People’s Council, underscored the need to “build peace beginning within the hearts of every individual and in every family.”