PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will discuss the possible contribution of an inter-religious group to peace process at the Mergrande Ocean Resort in Davao City on Monday, September 19.
Duterte, who was invited to be the special guest for the 20th anniversary of the inter-religious group Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC), will talk about the group's possible contribution to the administration especially in peace process, said BUC board chairman and Archbishop Emeritus of Davao Fernando Capalla during a media forum on Friday, September 16.
The event is expected to be attended by 1OO people composed of Catholic Bishops, Muslim Ulama, Protestant bishops, and pastors.
Aside from Duterte, other special guests expected to grace the event are former presidents Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Cebu Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Vidal, several cabinet members and officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
"We invited him to attend our 44th general assembly because we want his thoughts and suggestions on how we can be an effective partner in peace- making, and also to thank him because through Presidential Peace Adviser Jess Dureza, we were invited by his government to participate in the peace process," Capalla said.
Capalla reiterated with the confidence given to them by the President, they promised full cooperation with the government's peace initiatives.
"We would like to assure everyone that we will cooperate with the Duterte government in the promotion of peace, harmony, progress and development in Mindanao through interfaith dialogues," Capalla said.
Aleem Mahmoud Mala Adilao, Board Member of BUC and Eastern Mindanao Chairman of Ulama League of the Philippines, said they hope that the BUC will reach up to national level and help the Duterte administration through its peace initiatives.
Adilao and Capalla noted the event is BUC's comeback participation in peace initiatives since the group's peace activities were temporarily halted during President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino's time due to political reasons.
Capalla said he surmised that it was his refusal to take part in ousting former President Gloria Arroyo from the presidency that led to the coldness of the Aquino administration in reaching out to their group.
Capalla added during the gathering, he will suggest to the president the establishment of an inter-faith chaplaincy, which is unique in Davao, to be done in the national level. He will also suggest for the revival of the AFP-PNP-BUC peace forum that was formed during Arroyo's time to allow their coordination with the security officials in addressing concerns of the government. (KVC)