#Muslim, #NotTerrorist - MPPM

A Statement of Solidarity to our Muslim Brothers and Sisters in their Feast of Sacrifice
September 12, 2016

Young Mindanao peace advocates call for understanding and solidarity.

Today, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Adha or the “feast of the sacrifice” of the Prophet Abraham’s devotion to Allah. The celebration falls close to September 11 when the Twin Towers of New York were brought to ground zero by the Al-Qaeda terrorist group in 2001.

Several days ago, the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a terrorist group linked to the Al-Qaeda wreaked havoc in Sulu when it beheaded one of its hostages. This was followed by the bombing of Davao City that left 14 people dead and 67 others injured on September 2.

Every time terror attacks take place, confusion and fear give rise to a more dangerous sentiment: hatred against Muslims. This is because terrorism has always been perceived by many as linked to Islamists and Muslims are viewed as terrorists or supporters of terrorists. It blurs the fact that terrorism targets indiscriminately. It knows no race, no ethnicity, no gender and no religion. Thousands have been victims of terrorism in several countries since 9/11. Tension remains high, discrimination runs deep and division poses a great challenge.

But what is Muslim?  According to a scholar, Muslim is a follower of Islam religion and Quran said that, “…Islam is surrender to God: (Who can better in religion than who surrendereth his purpose to God while doing good (to men)? (IV: 125), “Turn unto him repentant and submit to Him” (XXXIII: 54”[1]

In these difficult times, may the spirit of sacrifice strengthen our resolve, our understanding and tolerance so that we may come together as one amidst the continuing threats of division.

Let us continue breaking down the walls of hatred and building bridges of peace through learning exchanges, dialogues and solidarity.

Let us continue condemning the acts of violence and terror while celebrating the peace-building efforts in our communities.

Eid Mubarak! Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. May peace be upon us all.

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[1] The Spirit of Islam: Doctrine and teaching by AFIF A. TABARA, 1978 : 11

Published: http://tripeoplesjournal.blogspot.com/2016/09/muslim-notterrorist.html?m=1

Protect human rights in the pursuit of peace and justice

Statement on the Sulu crisis and Davao bombing

On September 02, 2016 a bomb exploded in Davao City and killed 16 individuals and left 67 others injured. The bombing was claimed by the Abu Sayyaf- a terrorist group pursued by the government troops after it beheaded an 18-year old man hostage when his family failed to give ransom in exchange for his release. 

Meanwhile, the ongoing military pursuit against the terrorist group and rescue operation of the remaining hostages in Sulu caused more than one thousand (1, 000) civilians to leave their homes and stay in evacuation centers for fear of being caught in the crossfire. 

We strongly condemn these senseless acts of violence that caused the loss of lives and ignited widespread fear and raised anti-Muslim sentiments among peoples in the country. Violence and atrocities like these is gradually destroying the remaining social fabric and therefore has no space in a civilized society like Philippines.  

As we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the victims of the explosion, we also call for the government to:

(1) provide immediate support and medical attention to the injured and their families; 

(2) facilitate a thorough and objective investigation of the bombing while strictly adhering to due process and protection of human rights in its pursuit of the perpetrators; and 

(3) gear its response to the current situation towards improving unity and solidarity among its peoples.

As we support the pursuit for a peaceful Mindanao, we demand to uphold civilian supremacy: fundamental human rights shall be respected and protected at all times and most especially in times of conflict. 

The acts of terror are geared to create confusion, irrational fear and hatred among the people. Hence, we ask the public to remain steadfast, calm and vigilant in this crucial time. 

May peace be upon us all.

Adonna Orquillas

Officer-in-Charge, Lanao Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (LAHRA)
Telephone Number: 221-3769, Mobile Number: 09356659608

Signed:

Alyansa ng Kabataang Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan (AKMK)

Lig-ong Hiniusang Kusog sa Kabos Dakbayan (LIHUK)

Mindanao Peoples’ Peace Movement (MPPM)

Ranao Tri-People Movement for Genuine Peace and Development (RTMGPD)

Sumpay Mindanao, Inc. (SMI)

September 4, 2016

WE ARE PART AND PARTNERS FOR CHANGE! - NAMAO

NAMAO Statement on its 2nd Founding Anniversary Celebration

The election of President Duterte to office was evident enough to say that the mass majority of the Philippine population is fed-up with the shallow political promises and rhetoric. The demand for change has never been more resounding. It opened up opportunities for the majority poor and working people to raise concrete proposals and persistently engage the current administration.

We, as small organic farmers and rural workers of the Nagkahiusang Mag-uumang Organiko (NAMAO), an organization of Indigenous Peoples and Christian family-based organic farmers and rural workers in Agusan del Sur and Caraga Region believe that change must be the inclusive peace and development programs that recognize, promote and uphold the key role of the peoples in grassroots communities.

We believe that as the people who feed the world, our genuine participation in sustaining the alternative efforts in promoting and advancing ecological, diversified, organic and integrated sustainable agriculture is essential in eliminating massive hunger and poverty that is widely-experienced by people in the world.

For two years, we have been a partner of line agencies in the promotion of organic agriculture and peoples’ participation in governance. We have been accredited to the municipal government unit of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur and Caraga regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment and have participated and organized several activities and trainings on organizational and technical capacitation in partnership with Department of Agriculture (Sibagat Municipal and Caraga Regional offices), Kilusang Maralita sa Kanayunan (KILOS KA), Mindanao Peoples’ Peace Movement (MPPM) and other civil society organizations.

With our experience, we stand firm on our resolve that, key to Change is the real participation of peoples and communities, reiterating that development framework must give emphasis to organic agriculture, environment and the right to human dignity – sensitive enough to community and peoples’ cultures and traditions.

Hence, we appeal to the current President Duterte administration to implement the Organic Agriculture Act (RA 10068), an act providing for the development and promotion of organic agriculture in the Philippines, consistent to the policy of the State to promote, propagate, develop further and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines that will cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil, increase farm productivity, reduce pollution and destruction of the environment, prevent the depletion of natural resources, further protect the health of farmers, consumers, and the general public, and save on imported farm inputs and recognizes and supports the central role of the farmers, indigenous people and other stakeholders at the grassroots in this program. In addition this must be accompanied with sustainable support mechanisms for the practitioners particularly the small farmers and rural workers.

As we celebrate our 2nd Founding Anniversary on September 21, we stand with all of the dreamers and workers for people-based Change, Peace and Development.

We invite you all to join our celebration. Celebrating our continuing efforts as part and partner for the common good and protection of the common goods – land, forests, food, waters and rivers, air and life.

In behalf,

Toribio Bernadas

NAMAO Chairperson

namaoads@yahoo.com.ph

18 September 2016

Make a Stand for Peace

Obra ni Archie Blanco

MindanaOne strongly condemns the Davao City bombing last 2 September 2016 around 10pm that claimed 10 individuals on the spot and injured 60 more. 

We would like to extend our sympathy to the relatives and friends of the victims.

Let us all stand for justice and peace.

We call on authorities to deeply and objectively investigate the incident and bring before the law the culprits and avoid arrest of mistaken identities.

Let us stand against anti-social and illegal activities, crimes and terrorism while concretely addressing unemployment, poverty, hunger, low social services, low wages, precarious living conditions, labor contractualization, high living standard, neglect, marginalization, Lumad Killings and Corporate assaults to environment and communities, and more that day to day terrorized the mass majority of the population too.

Let us remain critical and vigilant to declarations of the government. Law enforcement first and foremost shall ensure protection of the population and their inherent rights.

Of the same degree we would like to express our solidarity to civilian communities in Sulu affected by the ongoing atrocities in their communities displacing thousands.

Let us all stay calm and alert. Let us strengthen our unity and solidarity and do not allow subjective judgements against each other particularly on our faiths.

MindanaOne

3 September 2016