Bishops and ulema launch “historic project” for peace in Mindanao

“More than 6,000 people are expected to participate in the focus groups,” said Fr Alberto Alejo, SJ, Konsult Mindanaw project team director.

Such meetings are supposed to address four questions: “What is your vision of peace? What are your recommendations on the peace talks between the government and the MILF? What can you recommend on the broader peace process? What can you personally contribute—or even sacrifice—for peace in Mindanao?”

Mgr Fernando Capalla, archbishop of Davao and BUC co-chairman, said that Mindanao-wide community consultations are an “unprecedented” event and an “historic project” in which the “whole country will benefit.”

MIFL officials have also expressed their support for the initiative so long as the government does not take any active role in it.

“If the groups undertaking consultation are getting direct or indirect aid from the government, then both process and result are suspect,” the MILF said.