Peace caravan draws 1,000 Muslims, Christians

Nearly 1,000 Muslims and Christians joined the “Peace Caravan” held in Taguig City yesterday, calling for the cessation of hostilities in Mindanao and for the government to give protection to civilians in the area.

A representative from the non-government organization Initiatives for International Development said part of the contingent came all the way from Quezon City and proceeded to the St. Joseph’s Church in Taguig City.

Around 9:30 a.m., the group started marching from the church going to the Blue Mosque where the other participants were waiting. The Christians even brought with them white flowers that they gave their Muslim brothers as a sign of peace.

Khasim Candido, convenor of the Bangsamoro People’s Solidarity for Peace, said, “All the participants first engaged in an interfaith prayer activity while inside the Blue Mosque. Afterwards, a narra tree was planted outside, which we referred to as the ‘tree of peace.’” 

Candido said the narra tree signifies strength, since they want Muslims and Christians to have a stronger bond. The tree-planting also demonstrated their lasting commitment to nurture the seeds of solidarity and peace between them, he added.   

The marchers said the Mindanao conflict is a national concern. “We also have to sow in Metro Manila the seeds of love and compassion, dialogue, listening and understanding in order for real peace in Mindanao to grow,” they said in a statement.