MUSLIM and Christian religious leaders convened at the Bangsamoro Government Center on January 16 to 17, 2024, to reflect on and discuss the bombing incident at the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi City on December 3, 2023.
The attack occurred during a Catholic Mass, resulting in four deaths and numerous injuries.
Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (Opapru), attended the gathering.
“On behalf of Opapru, we will always support interfaith dialogue to revive our connections with our brothers and sisters,” Galvez said.
“Rest assured that under the Marcos administration, and with the Special Assistant to the President, we will work to revive all initiatives that have been started,” he added.
The released joint statement signifies the initial collaborative communication among religious leaders following the Marawi incident. It addresses security concerns that have raised questions about the sustainability of the peace process between Christian and Muslim communities in Mindanao.
“I would like to thank all the religious leaders for guiding us towards peace. We will always stand with you in promoting peace and development in Bangsamoro and ensuring lasting peace in our country,” Galvez said.
The joint statement expressed gratitude for the mutual assistance provided by Muslims and Christians to the victims in the aftermath of the bombing, demonstrating ongoing fraternity amidst violence. The leaders pray for governmental support to significantly contribute to the complete healing of the trauma suffered by the victims and their families.
The statement also extended appreciation to the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) for supporting and facilitating the dialogue. The assembly reflects the objectives of HWPL through its Religious Peace Academy (RPA), promoting inter-religious dialogue rooted in the teachings of the Glorious Qur’an and the Holy Bible.
HWPL, the lead convenor, is an international peace organization conducting interfaith dialogues globally since 2014. The meeting was facilitated in commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the January 24 Peace Day, declared by Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim to acknowledge the civilian-led peace agreement signed between Muslim and Catholic leaders in 2014, mediated by Korean war veteran and HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee.
Dr. Muhammad Nadzir S. Ebil, Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta, highlighted the importance of the Religious Peace Academy, stating, “It is like merchandise; people look for this, enroll, and it is free. It helps in better understanding peace.”
The RPA, an interfaith academic platform, provides free access to lectures by religious leaders on fundamental topics. It aims to foster a culture of peace, harmony, and unity among all religions through scriptural studies.
Most Reverend Antonio Ledesma, Archbishop-emeritus of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, emphasized the RPA’s innovative online nature, making it accessible to anyone interested in understanding the commonalities and similarities in both religious traditions.
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