AMRSP Statement on the Bombings in Mindanao

Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and oppressed. Preserve my life, for I am loyal; save your servant who trusts in you. (Ps. 86:1-2)

We, the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) in union with the Filipino people would like to express our solidarity with the people of Mindanao in these very difficult times caused by the recent spate of bombing in that region. We join the entire nation in extending our deepest sorrow and sympathy to the victims of these senseless killing and their families. We express our deepest concern for the safety of all Mindanawons and we denounce the heartlessness of the perpetrators.

It is sad to note that it seems, the series of bombings and attacks that had claimed lives of innocent civilians in Mindanao in the past years were not enough, series of dreadful bombings occurred on 26 July 2013 in Cagayan de Oro, 5 August 2013 in Cotabato City and 7 August 2013 in Maguindanao, which killed 17 and wounded hundreds, not counting the damage done to properties.

The images of innocent civilians being killed give us a sense of the inability of government to protect its own people from the ruthlessness of the few. We are shocked that lives can be taken away easily, anytime, and anywhere by those who want to continue sowing terror and fear among the people.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless killing of the victims of these bombings. We are certain that no ideologies or religious beliefs in the world can ever justify mass murder, especially innocent civilians and health workers.

We appeal to the authorities to act swiftly on these cases that have caused panic and fear to our people. We call for justice to be served to all innocent victims. We challenge all stakeholders of peace in Mindanao to stand together so that acts of cowardice will never win and reign over the Land of Promise-Mindanao. We enjoin all armed groups and warring factions in Mindanao to please spare innocent civilians from their whims of violent means, and to sit down with government and all stakeholders for dialogue and shun the use of ruthlessness to forward their belief and ideologies.

We continue to pray for unity and peace, and my God-Allah-Magbabaya bless Mindanao!

For the AMRSP,

Fr. Leo Dalmao, CMF and Sr. Eden Panganiban, SSpS

AMRSP Co-Chairpersons