‘Agong of Peace’ unveiled in QC

PEACE SYMBOL Anak Mindanao Rep. Mujiv Sabbihi Hataman leads in the ceremonial laying of the “Agong of Peace,” a symbolic brass instrument, at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. The gong was carried during the “Lakbayan Para as Kapayapaan,” a peace caravan of at least 30 vehicles that kicked off in Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday. BOBBY LAGSA/INQUIRER MINDANAO

An “Agong of Peace” was unveiled Sunday beside the World Peace Bell at the Quezon Memorial Park in time for Monday’s celebration of the “Feast of Sacrifice,” a Muslim leader said.

Mujiv Hataman, former Anak-Mindanao party-list representative, said the symbol of peace was brought by the people of Mindanao who want their clamor for peace in the region to be heard.

“We are here, the people of Mindanao, to bring to you the message from our people. A people who long for peace in our homeland, because our eyes can no longer cry for the deaths and sufferings of our loved ones,” said a part of the prayer read during the ceremony.

“It is with this prayer, that we offer you, this peace Agong, as a symbol of our one voice. Let this Peace Agong, be the symbol of our unity in the cause for peace,” it said.

The caravan called “Lakbayan para sa Kapayapaan” which kicked off in Cagayan de Oro last month ended in Quezon City on Saturday.

Hataman was speaking in behalf of the caravan participants, some of whom were clad in white robes, considered one of their finest garments which in Muslim belief also stand for purity.

“An agong, a traditional instrument supposed to make a loud sound, is meant to ring out for peace and harmony for Mindanao and the entire nation,” he said.

Hataman, who is President Aquino’s top choice for officer in charge of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said at least a hundred people joined the caravan from Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao, Maguindanao and Cotabato to bring the agong to the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) to stand beside the World Peace Bell.

Underneath the symbol of peace, which hangs across the wall of peace also in QMC, is a marker which states: “May you who stand in front of this peace agong today realize the power of peace can have this country, and strive to attain, peace based on love, justice and unity under the eyes of one God who watches over us all.”

On hand to receive the symbol of peace from Mindanao was Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, who announced he was a Mindanaoan, by virtue of being an adopted son of Lanao del Norte.

He explained that the agong is a sign of peace, and represents the sentiments of Mindanaoans who are affected by the ongoing conflict in Mindanao.

“We want peace, not war in Mindanao,” he said.

He added that they support the all-out justice campaign of the government.

“We support the all-out justice campaign offered by the government, not war, which is being advocated by some people,” he said.

When asked if the effect of the government campaign waged by the military to run after those responsible for the deaths of 19 soldiers was the same with an all-out war, he replied in the negative.

“In the government’s campaign for all-out justice, there are specific places targeted, while in war, no selection, everyone is targeted,” Hataman explained.

He added that the celebration of the Eid’l Adha, also known as Feast of Sacrifice, would give more meaning to the fight for justice and peace in Mindanao.

Hataman explained that the Feast of Sacrifice begins at sunset on November 6 and ends at sunset the following day, which is 70 days after the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.