DAVAO CITY—In a concerted bid to foster peace, unity and justice in the Bangsamoro and across Mindanao and pledge their full support to the Marcos Administration’s peace agenda, religious leaders from various faiths gathered from October 8 to 9, in this city.
The event, attended by Christian bishops and priests, Muslim ulama, and representatives of traditional and religious indigenous peoples as delegates, and civil society as observers, is a testament of the renewed inter-religious effort to sustain the gains and revitalize the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC), which now calls itself the Mindanao Religious Leaders Conference or MiRLeC.

The Christian delegation was composed of representatives from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), and the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC).

The event was organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), in collaboration with the Consortium of Bangsamoro Society (CBCS), Catholic Relief Service (CRS), World Vision, Silsillah, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), The Asia Foundation, and Australian Aid (AusAid).

Key role of religious sector in peacebuilding

The conference with the theme, “Revitalizing Interfaith Engagement: Mindanao Religious Leaders Assembly,” highlighted the crucial role of the religious community in promoting the culture of peace, mutual understanding and justice across the island-region.

In a statement issued by the MiRLeC at the culmination of the conference, the group declared, “We are Peacemakers: Peace That is Based on Justice is Our Obligation,” stressing that their commitment to peace is “guided by the values of love, justice, harmony, respect, integrity, unity, reconciliation, spirituality and humanity.”

These core values, the group said, shall serve as the guiding principles for initiatives they will be carrying out in promoting peace not only in the Bangsamoro region but throughout Mindanao and beyond.

The religious leaders also formally launched the MiRLeC, the body that was formed during the two-day conference, as a reinvigorated platform for their collective peacebuilding and inter-faith efforts.

“Our commitment is concretely manifested in the revitalization of our role in peacebuilding through our organizational platform, MiRLeC,” the statement emphasized, highlighting the leaders’ resolve to be an instrument of inclusivity, good governance, and genuine peace.

“We, the religious leaders, having the moral obligations, binding unto ourselves to be a very dynamic and progressive peace movement, are one in the efforts to translate its advocacy for meaningful inclusivity, governance ane and peace in the Bangsamoro, Mindanao and the whole country,” the group declared.

Taking center stage during the assembly’s discussions, the statement noted, was the significance of interfaith-based peacebuilding, which the leaders described as “an imperative to sustain the gains of the peace process.”

They reaffirmed their belief that the increased collaboration between Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous Peoples is essential for achieving long-lasting peace and sustainable development in the region.

“Interfaith-based peacebuilding remains an imperative,” the statement underscored, adding that the religious leaders are committed to forging interfaith cooperation, solidarity and inclusivity as the MiRLeC now includes the IP sector, women and youth sectors in its membership.

Call for Sulu’s re-inclusion in the BARMM, conduct of peaceful, orderly elections

The MiRLeC also made an appeal to safeguard the gains achieved under the Bangsamoro peace process, as it called for the re-inclusion of Sulu in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“We call for the re-inclusion of Sulu in the BARMM to ensure greater inclusivity and unity in the region,” the statement declared.

The religious group likewise urged political leaders to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the upcoming first BARMM regional parliamentary elections.

“For our political leaders to observe sobriety and peaceful campaign endeavors as they engage our communities and electorates,” the leaders said, emphasizing the need for peaceful political engagement.

The religious leaders likewise called on peace stakeholders to consolidate their efforts in strengthening the nation’s social fabric.

“For our peace institutions and organizations to consolidate their efforts in building social cohesion among our communities and the people of goodwill,” the statement concluded.

Full circle

In his remarks at the conference, Roman Catholic Bishop Edwin A. de la Peña, MSP, DD, one of the conveners of the conference, stressed the urgency among religious leaders to move forward in their collective peace journey.

“We have come this far. So, we might as well complete the journey,” de la Peña said.

He recalled that following the bombing incident in Marawi last December, religious leaders recognized the urgent need for a swift and unified response.

“Our partners agreed that we need to come together. It need[ed] a response, a common voice,” the bishop said.

An informal meeting of key religious leaders, which included members of the Darul Ifta’, His Emminence Orlando Cardinal B. Quevedo, OMI, DD and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Sec. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. was held from January 17 to 18 in Cotabato City.

Together, they agreed on the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive gathering of religious leaders across Mindanao, as they reaffirmed their collective commitment to peace in the region and Mindanao.

“We have come full circle. And we are here to bring about our desire for preserving the gains of the peace process,” de la Peña said.

Collective aspiration for peace

Moving forward, he emphasized the need for a more comprehensive and open gathering of religious leaders across Mindanao, reinforcing their collective dedication to peace and stability in the region.

Also at the conference, Dr. Mohamad Nadzir Ebil, General Secretary of Hay-ato Ulama, reaffirmed the commitment of the Muslim delegates to protect the gains of the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“We gather together here, and one of the big reasons is to continue the journey and find ways and means to preserve, protect, and sustain the gains of the peace process,” Ebil stated, emphasizing the broader goal of ensuring peaceful and harmonious coexistence among the different faiths in Mindanao.

Ebil acknowledged the challenges that the peace process faces, with threats from various groups attempting to undermine its progress.

“It may be challenged or threatened not once, not twice, but many times. Therefore, we must, at all times, be vigilant but never shall we succumb to the spoilers of peace, no matter how hard,” he said.

Calling for unity among Mindanaos religious leaders, Ebil emphasized that their strength comes from their solidarity.

“Religious leaders may be perceived as weak and few, but together and united, we can be strong and make the impossible possible, Inshallah,” he said, as he called for continued collaboration in securing a lasting peace for the region.

Continued collaboration

In his message read by a representative, as chair of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel for the GPH-MILF Peace Process, BARMM Minister of Education Mohagher Iqbal
lauded the religious community for its unwavering dedication to the peace process, underscoring the vital role that they play in fostering dialogue and unity in Mindanao.

“Your roles in fostering peace in Mindanao are invaluable, and your steadfast commitment is crucial to our journey to peace, justice, and reconciliation,” Iqbal stressed.

He expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for supporting efforts to bring genuine peace and sustainable development in the Bangsamoro.

“I would like to express my profound gratitude to President Marcos for his unwavering support of peace and development in BARMM. His dedication to our journey toward a peaceful and developed Bangsamoro, alongside his understanding of our quest for the right to self-determination, is truly commendable,” Iqbal said.

He underscored that achieving peace in BARMM requires the commitment of all sectors, particularly the religious community, government, and civil society.

“Achieving and sustaining peace in the Bangsamoro is a collective endeavor that requires commitment, understanding, and perseverance from all stakeholders, particularly within the religious sector,” Iqbal said.

“The peace process is not merely about signing agreements; it is the foundation upon which we can build a brighter future for our communities,” he added.

The BARMM official emphasized that open dialogue among diverse groups will be the key to maintaining peace.

“By engaging in respectful discussions that honor different perspectives, we can address grievances and discover common ground, which is essential for our ongoing pursuit of lasting peace,” Iqbal added.

Significance of interfaith collaboration

In his remarks at the conference, Galvez underscored the significance of interfaith collaboration in building on the gains of the peace process.

“Throughout our nation’s history, the religious community has been instrumental in fostering peace, mutual understanding, and solidarity among our people,” Galvez noted.

“In Mindanao, it is the core message of solidarity that has broken down walls, bridged divides, and brought people of different faiths and beliefs together,” he added.

Galvez highlighted the invaluable role of religious leaders in promoting peace and social healing, noting that through their teachings, they have helped shape a moral compass that guides communities towards empathy, kindness, and forgiveness.

“Our religious leaders have provided more than spiritual guidance. Through your teachings, you have planted the seeds of empathy, kindness, and forgiveness in the hearts and minds of our people, and consequently, strengthened the foundations of peace across the country,” he stressed.

The peace adviser called on the religious leaders to play a more active role in advancing the peace process, particularly in realizing the commitments made under Bangsamoro peace agreements.

“As the national government fulfils its commitments under all signed peace agreements, we believe that our religious leaders can play a more active role in realizing these commitments,” he said.

“We must remember that the path to a sustainable and inclusive peace is a shared one that must be pursued together,” Galvez pointed out.

He also emphasized the importance of faith in ensuring the successful transformation of former combatants and rebels into peaceful and productive members of society.

“By nurturing the faith of our people, coupled with programs aimed at strengthening social healing and peacebuilding, we can help ensure the successful transformation of former combatants and rebels into peaceful and productive members of society,” Galvez explained.

A unified platform for peacebuilding

Galvez pointed out that the revitalization of the religious group and the formation of a new unified platform align with emerging developments in the Bangsamoro peace process, allowing religious leaders to address key peace and security issues in the region.

He noted that over the years, the BUC has upheld its legacy of peace by building bridges of understanding among the people of Mindanao.

Galvez also highlighted the opportunity presented by the revitalization of the BUC to form a new unified platform that aligns with the developments in the Bangsamoro peace process.

“It is our earnest hope that through this new platform, religious groups in Mindanao can band together to help address pressing issues such as the presence of private armed groups and other lawless elements that threaten the region’s peace and security,” Galvez stated.

The peace adviser also encouraged the greater involvement of women and youth in leadership roles in peacebuilding efforts.

“We must support the involvement of various religious and cultural representatives, including women and the youth sector, in interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding efforts. We must harness the power of unity and collaboration,” he said.

BARMM elections, Mindanao Week of Peace

Moving forward, Galvez underscored the significance of the upcoming BARMM elections and the Mindanao Week of Peace, both of which are key events in the region’s peace process.

“Next year, we are set to conduct the very first BARMM elections. The national government is committed to ensuring the peaceful, credible, and orderly conduct of this political exercise. I humbly call on our religious leaders to lend your voices of reason, as we pave the way for a peaceful political transition in the Bangsamoro,” he said.

“We are also preparing for the Mindanao Week of Peace, which is scheduled towards the end of November. This is an opportunity for religious leaders to promote the culture of peace in your respective communities through various peacebuilding activities,” Galvez concluded.

The theme of this year’s Mindanao Week of Peace, which will be held from November 28 to December 4, is “Sustaining the Gains of Peace, Solidarity and Resilience.”###