Thursday, July 26, 2007 Vidal worries of all-out war v. MILF
CEBU Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal fears that the people may be caught in between if a war will break out in Mindanao after the military made an offensive move against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“To be taken out of one’s place where a man lives and makes a living is terrible for a family, so I hope they will be taken care of,” he told reporters.
Earlier this week, the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced that the military is determined to neutralize the remaining terrorists, kidnappers of Italian priest Fr. Giancarlo Bossi, and alleged killers of the 14 marine soldiers who tried to rescue him.
Tactical ground movement already started last Monday in undisclosed specific target areas in Mindanao.
“Before, I remember that during former president Joseph Estrada’s time, we had a company and we went to President Erap and asked him for a ceasefire. But that was not granted because there was an outgoing war,” Vidal said.
The prelate said that if he is not busy, he may ask President Arroyo for a ceasefire if war will break out.
“I don’t know yet. There is not an opportunity yet (to meet with the President). I can not abandon my duties here,” he said.
Vidal also admitted that he is one with those who are hopeful that President Arroyo will think twice before waging war against the MILF and Abu Sayaff.
Shrine
“Of course, they (government) came up with that directive (tactical ground movement) because of that killing (of the 14 soldiers). But I hope it will not be an expensive one. And they will also think that many people will be displaced. It’s terrible,” he said.
Yesterday, Vidal conferred the Parish of St. James the Apostle in Compostela town as an Archdiocesan Shrine in honor of and in dedication to Santiago Apostol.
After declaring the parish as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santiago de Compostela, Vidal also granted plenary indulgence to every pilgrim who visits the shrine on any day within July 25, 2007 to July 25, 2008, on any day of a year when July 25 falls on a Sunday, and on any day of any year if the pilgrim walks in procession at least one kilometer to the shrine or visits it on a vehicle if he is sick.
Visitors
In his homily, the prelate encouraged face-to-face honest dialogues in resolving conflicts.
“We must speak the truth and respect each other’s rights. In the aspect of politics and economy, let us strive to do the common good for the people.
Our love for others—be they poor or rich, partido or kontra-partido (conflicting parties), Christian or Protestant—must be equal,” he said in Cebuano.
Vidal also told reporters that he was not able to listen to Arroyo’s state of the nation address (Sona) last Monday because he had visitors.
“I can’t say anything about it because I have not seen it. But it seems it was light. And she was talking about achievements and ongoing construction of projects, projects, projects. I have read “in general” the complaints of poor people who said that nothing has been done but the fight against poverty is there (in the Sona),” the prelate said. (NRC)
