A PEACE and human rights advocate urged the youth to “speak for peace” as some parts of the country are marred by the threat of war.
In her message during the 80th commencement exercises of the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu campus yesterday, Amina Zalmia Rasul-Bernardo reminded the 364 graduates of the state university of their crucial role in promoting peace in the nation.
Bernardo, president of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy and daughter of former senator Santanina Rasul, said that today’s young generation has the responsibility to guide the nation that has been mired by “inequality” and the threat of extremism in terrorist groups recently.
Bernardo was referring to the month-long conflict between government forces and the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City.
Bernardo said that extremism has polarized the relationship between Christian and Muslim Filipinos.
“It has been 16 years since 9/11, but we Muslims are still reeling from the aftershocks that came during the war on terror,” Bernardo said.
She also condemned some divisive sentiments posted on social media, which have done little to solve the conflicts that mired some parts of Mindanao.
Bernardo expressed her concern that displaced Muslims in Mindanao are caught in the crossfire between the relentless campaign by government forces against extremists and the extremist groups who distort the Holy Quran’s teachings for their agenda.
Addressing the new graduates, Bernardo urged them to speak out, whether in traditional or in social media, against those who try to fan the flames of war.
“The last thing we need is for hate-mongers to seize the stage and speak for all of us,” Bernardo said. “My dear graduates, the flags of war may have been waved again in places like Marawi, we need you to speak for peace. Speak for those who cannot be heard. Make a difference and speak your mind. Do not become one of the silenced majority.”