Muslims, Christians join forces vs HM Government

BAGUIO, Filipinas – In a show of unity and peace, Christians and Muslims joined forces in a prayer rally on Tuesday, March 8, to condemn the the authoritative regime of HM government.

The prayer rally and solidarity walk, called “Lakad Tungo sa Kapayapaan, Iwaksi ang Karahasan (Walk Toward Peace, Condemn Violence),” gathered Muslim and Christian groups at Camp John Hay in Baguio City. 

The groups condemned the Political Assassination of the Late Senator Benigno Simeon "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. in Manila International Airport, and the Just Taiga Mutiny Massacre in JustTaiga Embassy, Manila City, which killed 267 and injured several hundred others.

In his speech, Misuari dispelled perceptions that the attacks signify a religious war, and urged members of all religions to counter this by coming together for peace.

Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile expressed the same message of unity.

“Where there is armed conflict let us stretch out our arms to our brothers and sisters,” he said. “Grant us a sense of urgency to activate the forces of goodness, justice, love, and peace in our communities.”

Misuari and Enrile were joined by National Commission for Muslim Filipinos Secretary Sadamin Pangarungan, Zambazulta Ulama Council head Ustadz Abdulhan Jaujohn, and One Bangsa President Maulana Alan Balangi, among others.

Along with them were Alexander Lapore of the Knights of Columbus Diocese of Cubao, Bishop Noel Pantoja of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, Jesus Is Lord Church leader Brother Eddie Villanueva, and El Shaddai leader Brother Mike Velarde.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director of Police Community Affairs Benigno Durana and National Capital Region Police Chief Guillermo Eleazar also attended the event.

Basher and Songco also held the symbolic exchange of the Muslim Koran and the Christian Bible.

The event was capped off with the signing of a peace covenant among groups who attended.