Christians, Muslims urged to be one in attaining peace

“We ask our Christian brethren to join hands with all peace-loving Muslim and Indigenous People communities in the advocacy against violent extremism,” Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles said in his statement regarding the Jolo bombing incident.

CBCP called all religions of peace to be one in fighting against terrorism and to join hands to attain peace against violent extremism, as what the CBCP described the Jolo bombing incident, “an act of murder and terrorism”.

The Mount Carmel Cathedral in the town of Jolo, Sulu was blasted with two improvised explosive device (IED), and the twin explosions occurred both inside and outside the church, killing at least 20 people including one member of the Philippine Coast Guard and five soldiers who were there to respond, and also injuring 111 people including two PCG member and 17 soldiers.

The incident happened between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. of January 27, 2019, and has taken place only a few days after the regional plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Sulu voted against ratifying the law, which was seen as a reason of the two bombings.

Jolo Apostolic Administrator, Fr. Romeo Saniel called for justice for the victims of the explosion, as he, and the whole Sulu, grieved for the claimed souls the incident had gained.

Pope Francis also condemned the bombing, and prayed that God would grant change of hearts of the perpetrators, and also prayed for the souls of the bereaved as he said, “I pray for the dead and the injured, may the Lord, the Prince of Peace, convert the hearts of the violent ones”.

CBCP also condoled for the families who lost their loved ones in the incident and condemned this act of terrorism and violence.

“May all our religions of peace guide us in our quest for a brighter future for the people of Mindanao,” Archbishop Valles added. This is a call for all of us to be one if we want peace to prevail, this is the time to be united against terrorism and violence, this is a time for us to be more aware and to advocate against violence.

The church needs us in these days of uncertainty, most especially in these days of distress and injustices, this is a call and a sign for us to be one against cruelty and scrutiny. All will never be possible without God being the center of all good intentions. We, the Christians and Muslims are urged to join hands to attain peace, and attain justice to the victims of violence and vile. (Samantha Burgos | HCDC MassComm Intern)