GMA prays for end to all terrorism

President Arroyo urged the nation yesterday to pray for an end to terrorism so that no more innocent lives are lost to senseless violence.

As the nation observes the traditional All Saints’ Day today and All Souls’ Day tomorrow, Mrs. Arroyo has asked all Filipinos — Christians and Muslims alike — to also pray for those who were killed during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington in which at least 5,500 lives were lost.

"As we light our candles and pray for the eternal peace of our loved ones, I call upon all of you to include in your prayers all Filipinos, especially those who perished in the recent attacks in the United States," the President exhorted.

"Believing in the divine power of our collective appeal and through the intercession of all the saints, let us implore God to bring an end to the threat of terrorism and state of uncertainty all over the world in this moment of reflection," she added.

"Let us be one in the hope that no more innocent lives will be victimized by senseless violence all over the world," Mrs. Arroyo said in a statement released by the Palace a few hours before she flew home after a three-day state visit to China.

Like most Filipinos, she is expected to visit the grave of her father, President Diosdado Macapagal, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio in Makati City.

The First Family is also expected to visit the grave of her mother, former First Lady Evangelina Macapagal, at the North Cemetery in Manila.

Some "private time" has also been scheduled for the President over the holiday at the Presidential Mansion in Baguio City.

She said the traditional observation of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ holy days as a family memorial day showed the Filipinos’ deeply-etched piety and close family ties.

"For many Filipino families, it is an opportunity to pause from the travails of life and see each other to offer prayers, flowers and tributes as a symbol of their undying love and reverence to family members who have gone to their rest," she said.

"From the national perspective, this is not merely a symbolic holiday but an important process that significantly accounts for the enduring strength, unity and character of the Filipino family and society," the President added.