PEACE exists in Basilan until the declaration of Martial Law in 1971, which started the rebellion on the MNLF. Since then, a pendulum-like life of peace and violence exists for Basilenos. Ambushes, kidnappings, mutilations, beheadings became a “normal” occurrence that conditioned the minds of Basilanos.
But Basilenos remained hopeful that one day peace will still reign over the land. This conviction led many committed individuals and groups to engage in hastening the delivery of basic services, conducting peace advocacy, psycho-social sessions, rallies, peace education, dialogue covenants among others, in partnership with multi-stakeholders. As a result, Basilenos enjoyed relative peace for the fast five years.
But now peace seemed to be elusive once again for Basilenos with the recent atrocities against humanity that triggered, resurfaced, and opened old wounds, threatening harmony and unity among peoples,
The most recent crisis in Al-Barka should be given primary attention as lives are sacrificed and families are displaced. We strongly condemn the inhuman and heinous acts of mutilations and beheadings of 10 Marine soldiers and sacrilegious killings of the Imam. In search for peace, however, we still ask that justice shall prevail; we therefore plead;
- to the MASS MEDIA to feed correct and accurate information and facts. We feel that the incident was sensationalized and exaggerated, which heightened emotions, creating suspicions and fear. Hence, we demand sincere, prudent, and responsible triple media reporting.
- the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council, Peace and Order councils in all levels, concerned Government Line Agencies, the GRP-MILF Peace Panel and joint Monitoring Team to take an ACTIVE ROLE in pursuing peace and to bring about justice in this island;
- to all Basilenos, Civil Society Organizations, People’s Organizations and other stakeholders to be vigilant and responsive in sustaining peace; and,
- The Government to give priority to this situation.
We the Civil Society in Basilan immensely grateful to Nonviolent Peace Force Philippines to come to Basilan in this critical time and stand in solidarity with the Civil Society of Basilan, Mindanao which is striving for lasting Peace with Justice.
ZAMBAS CBCS
SIGNED: CONSORTIUM OF BANGSAMORO CIVIL SOCIETY (CBCS)
Basilan Association of Non government & Peoples Organization (BANGPO)
Yakan Integrated Resources Development Foundation, Inc (YIRDFI)
Basilan Women Initiative Foundation (BWIF)
Yakan Ministry Foundation (YMF)
Mindanao Autonomous College Foundation, Inc (MACFI)
Women Endeavor Association of Basilan Inc., (WEABI)
Sampinit Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative (SARBIDC)
Yakan Handloom Weaving Foundation Inc (YHWFI)
Bohelebbung Botica ng Barangay (BBB)
Lamitan Womens Council (LWC)
Baas Madrasa Islamic School (BMIS)
Barangay Masula Multipurpose Cooperative (BMMuC)
Yakan Upland Agricultural Development Program Assistance (YUADPA)
Parangbasak Farmers Association (PFA)
Sampaguita Rural Womens Association (SRMA)
Maligue Farmers Association (MFA)
Limook Madrasa Islamic School (LMIS)
Basilan Coconut Small Farmers Federation (BCSFF)
Lamitan Barangay Justice Advocates Federation (LBJAF)
United Youth Association of the Philippines, Inc (UYAP)
(Zamboanga City and Basilan Chapter)
Yakan Craft Developemnt Inc., (YCDI)
DAWAH
MARID