Folks,
Peace!
The tragedy that happened in Basilan, specifically the battle in al Barka that left 19 AFP young officers and men killed came as a shock to all.
Everybody holds on the ceasefire agreement notwithstanding the ambiguity in the present talks.
This tragedy poses a strong temptation for retaliation… and we are beginning to hear rumblings that demand blood for blood or an eye for an eye.
But it also in these times that all people of goodwill NEED to rise from the grief brought by the tragedy albeit difficult and painful and proclaim anew our commitment to the peace process.
It may not be popular to call for peace in these times… but peace making is NEVER a popularity contest.
We do understand the pains as well as the bitterness brought by the recent losses in al Barka… Yet, in the midst of these pains and losses, we have to proclaim our faith in the peace process.
Paz y Bien!
Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI
Institute for Autonomy and Governance
19 October 2011
Badaliyya Philippines - Platform for Dialogue & Spirituality 