An Open Letter: The Peace Advocates Zamboanga

AN OPEN LETTER

PEACE ADVOCATES ZAMBOANGA

This Fragile Peace Process, statement of the Inter-Religious Solidarity Movement for Peace

Over two weeks have passed since the last forum on the GRP-MILF PeaceNegotiations called by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on thePeace Process with the City Government of Zamboanga. That forum brought to the fore the local mindset in the dominant call to reject the inclusion of the Zamboanga City in an area potentially called the "BangsaMoro Juridical Entity" (BMJE).

This area is said to include the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and the other "expansion areas"of future assistance upon the signing of the peace agreement.

As we view all our national and local struggles in building a justand lasting peace in accordance with our common religious as well as democratic beliefs and aspirations, we recognize the tremendous complexity and sensitivity that all these efforts entail.

This hasled to two realizations – that this peace process is fragile and delicate, and that we each are duty-bound to do our part to realize afair, workable and durable compact.

Yet, whether we speak of ourselves - our Christian, Muslim or lumadcommunities – it seems that the psyche that directs our imperfect interpretations of "Peace" or what can lead to "our peace" prevents usas well from demonstrating our nobler moral duties and social obligations.

Have we lost our capacity to be affected by the wounds of others? Apparently, we think that simply being left alone is the answer to the troubles that are oftentimes exported to our shores orto the wars that more regrettably devastate our neighbors and fellowmen.

Mindanao has become a shared homeland. The so-called Mindanao also the non-Islamized peoples. It is not a set of hostilities that deeply affects only the Southern Philippines, but the entire Filipino nation as well.

We now see the Philippine Government moving closer toward the signing of a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). To this undertaking, we express our wholehearted support. Yet, we believe that the peace talks are but a part of a broader peace process.

To us this comprehensive process should: Be transparent; Be pursued by peaceful means; Aim for justice for all; Lead to reconciliation and healing; Be pluralistic and participatory among all concerned peoples; Be open to the best possible options for peace and development.

As we look forward to the dividends of a just and lasting peace for our homeland, we take stock of the gains that have been attained so far by the work of many sectors, groups and individuals. Through lenses of respect, let us seriously consider the implications of the peace process, mindful that the roadmap to peace is lined with suspicions and mistrust.

Let us continue preparing ourselves for the demands of living together, with deep concern for each other and faith that our God of Peace and Life will see us through these times of uncertainty and challenge.