'Yolanda' victims, church leaders to join PNoy in Nat'l Day of Prayer

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos affected by recent disasters and leaders of various religions are expected to join Pres. Benigno Aquino III as he leads the National Day of Prayer and Solidarity on January 20.

At a televised press briefing, Communications Sec. Sonny Coloma said those who would join the President in Malacañang are representatives of the affected communities of the Zamboanga standoff, the Bohol earthquake, and Super Typhoon "Yolanda."

Representatives of various faiths who are also expected to join include Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Police Superintendent Imam Ebra Moxsir of the Imam Council of the Philippines, Commissioner Zenaida Pawid of the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples, Isaias Samson of Iglesia ni Cristo, and a representative of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches.

Also invited are leaders and members of Congress, government officials, and representatives of civil society and various faith groups.

Coloma said all Filipinos are also encouraged to join the prayer to "remember the lives lost to the tragic incidents of 2013, to thank the Almighty for the nation’s strength and resilience, and to seek divine guidance as the country moves forward to rebuild the affected communities."

"We call on all citizens to pause and join 'One Nation in Prayer' in their respective homes, communities, places of work and worship on Monday, January 20," Coloma said.

In an interview on ANC on Thursday morning, Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras said President Aquino really wanted to give time for a prayer for disaster victims.

"The idea really is to just pause and pray for all those who passed away and pray for those who survived. The struggle continues. We all know it's not going to be over soon," Almendras told ANC.