ADVOCATES for peace in Mindanao urged the public to show their support for Mindanaoans who have long been victims of armed conflict, instead of fanning the flames of war.
Anak Mindanao Rep. Sitti Dajalia Turabin-Hataman, one of the leaders of the peace campaign, called on peace advocates in Mindanao to bring their cause before Congress.
Speaking at a press conference at Ateneo de Davao University (Addu), Hatarman said she not only wants to rally support for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) but to promote all-out peace in Mindanao.
"Baka po bang pwede, mas magpakita tayo ng presence at pumunta sa Kongreso para mapakita na merong naglo-lobby and merong support. Second, we hope we can have more people from Mindanao because yes, we do have allies in Manila pero iba parin po kasi kung ang nagsasalita ay taga-dito," she said.
She said representatives from different advocacies including children's and women's rights, the academe and religious groups must provide Congress with different perspectives on the struggles of the people in Mindanao and how important the peace process is.
Heeding Hataman's suggestion, Mindanao Coalition of Development NGOs (Mincode) Chairperson Patricia Sarenas said they are preparing to mobilize NGOs in Mindanao for the march to Congress.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp) representative Al-amin Julkipli, emphasized the need to go back to basics and review the identity of the Bangsamoro people, their history and their centuries-old struggle.
"Sobrang dami na nating mga ginawang detail and technical briefings on the BBL. Although we have seen positive results, isang na-realize namin is minsan baka kailangang magback-track at bumalik sa basics like sino ang Bangsamoro," Julkipli said.
Memen Lauzon of Women Engaged in Action said one way to promote awareness of the struggles of Mindanaoans is to commemorate the 109th anniversary of the Bud Dajo massacre, where around 1,600 Moros, including women and children were killed by US troops.
Initiatives for International Dialogue All Out Peace national campaign secretariat Lyndee Prieto announced the passage of Senate resolution no. 1204 declaring March 6 as the National Day of Healing for Unity and Peace.
Addu's University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council chair Romeo Cabarde also launched the #HearMindanao to promote awareness on the plight of Mindanaoans through the social media.
Supporters of the All Out Peace campaign held a series of activities on Friday including prayer rallies, a walk for peace and the commemoration of the 40th day after the death of 44 police commandos in the Mamasapano incident.