Dialogue between ethnic &religious groups only path for peace in the Philippines
(Aug.19,2009): In the Philippines, “Promoting peace at the grassroots level” would
be one of the best ways to solve the long-standing Mindanao conflict between the Filipino
military and the rebels of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front - MILF, according to
a Catholic priest. Speaking to Asia News Fr Leo S. Pepito from the diocese of
Digos, Davao Del Sur Province, said that political and guerrilla leaders cannot find
a stable and lasting solution on their own. Ordinary people must be involved in dialogue,
so as to overcome a “culture of death.” He said that the Church has made an effort
to “reach out” to its Muslim brothers, hopeful that an “attitudinal change” can occur
in people. For the past 40 years Mindanao has been the scene of a war between
government troops and the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group. Both the MILF and the extremists
linked to al-Qaeda, want to set up an independent Muslims state, an option Manila
has always rejected. Fr.Pepito noted that fresh peace talks between the MILF and the
government, set for October, can contribute. However, it is equally important to promote
“peace talks at a personal ,or community level.” he added.