Members of the Royal Sultanate Force listen to Sulu Sultan Esmail Kiram during a peace and prayer rally on Saturday, February 14, 2009 in the capital town of Jolo in Sulu province. The rally was also attended by Governor Sakur Tan and Jolo Mayor Hussin Amin. The Jolo Rescue Network also condemned the kidnappings of the three Red Cross workers Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - It was a day full of hope and promise for the war torn province of Sulu as thousands join a rally calling for peace and condemning the atrocities and violence that have beleaguered the province for decades.
Over a thousand of civilians led by civil society organizations gathered in front of Jolo Municipal Hall around 2 p.m. Sunday to show support to the government's efforts on peace and security as government troops continue to pursue the Abu Sayyaf bandits responsible for crimes, including kidnappings.
A live band welcomed the mammoth crowd gathered at the rally site giving the event a more lively and festive mood.
The atmosphere in the rally was filled with hope that the event could be the turning point for Sulu and would lead to much needed change in the negative mindset of the people when it comes to their involvement in maintaining peace and security in the province.
Organizers said the rally aims to bring Sulu closer to peace and development.
They said the rally is significant because it shows the commitment of the people to change and their willingness to do what is necessary to achieve peace.
The rally was organized by a group of 47 civil society organizations led by Dr. Samsula Adjuh and Isquildo Ishak who have responded to the growing clamor of the people to take a more active role in the peace and security situation in the province.
Likewise, the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo thru its Royal Security Sultanate Forces led by its Crown Prince (Datu Raja Muda) Agbimuddin Kiram is one with the objective of the rally that is to strongly condemn the atrocities committed by the lawless group and called on residents to unite against all forms of evil acts so that the good image of the Tausug will not be tarnished with violence and that "peace will once again reign upon the province and the people can live in tranquility like it was before."
The Crown Prince said that Sulu was once a very famous place where people lived in harmony with dignity and pride.
He said that it is not yet late to regain that lost prestige as long as the people from Sulu will unite towards the betterment of the province.
The rally also aims to present a united front against violence and terrorism with its theme: "Walk in Unity Towards Peace."
It was participated by all sectors including the business, education and religious sectors and was fully supported by the local government units led by Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan who was in attendance along with the different municipal mayors.
Tan called for unity and urged the people to support the police, military and government in its effort to bring peace and development in the province.
He also assured the civilians that the government, including the police and the military, is doing its best to eliminate lawlessness in the province.
Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban, chief of the Joint Task Force Comet, who was also invited to speak in the rally, said the military has been involved in development projects in Sulu such as the construction of roads, school buildings and water supply.
Sabban cited that development is a major factor in solving the peace and security problem in the province.
He emphasized that education for the children of Sulu is the key for change and towards achieving peace in the long run.
He promised that the military will always provide its services not only in keeping peace and security as well as in development related efforts.
Major Gamal Hayudini, chief of the Armed Forces' 4th Civil Relations Group (CRG), said the military appreciates the support being shown by the people of Sulu through the rally.
Hayudini lauded the civil organizations for coming up with the initiative and acknowledged the local government units particularly the governor and even the Sultanate of Sulu for their concern and support to the said civil organizations.
He condemned the atrocities of the lawless groups as barbaric acts and vowed that the military will not hinder in its effort to neutralize the threat groups. (Teofilo Garcia, Philippine News Agency)
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