Zamboanga archbishop declares support for peace, war against poverty

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Newly installed Archbishop Romulo dela Cruz of Zamboanga on Wednesday declared his support for peace-building efforts and the war against poverty especially those involving thousands of evacuees affected by the siege launched last year by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Dela Cruz issued his support during a press briefing that preceded his installation by Papal Nuncio Guiseppe Pinto at the Immaculate Concepcion Metropolitan Cathedral amid tight security.

He said while he was aware and heard of the problems of the diocese, he has to hear his priests on what should be done to help the church under the diocese.

Dela Cruz said his diocese also oversees the areas of Sulu, Basilan, and Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay,mareas prominently besieged with various high profile crimes including kidnappings.

He said he will also look into the welfare of the thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) through close coordination with the city government and private organizations. 

“I am confident the Lord will help us go through with the difficult days in Zamboanga City,” Dela Cruz said. “We will not just take this sitting down.” 

Dela Cruz, who was the bishop of Basilan for 13 years, said he is also looking at the peace-building effort in Basilan following the spate of kidnappings and the hostility between the militants Abu Sayyaf and government forces. 

He said he has been in constant dialogue with the highest Islamic leader in Basilan to find solution to the violence in the island province.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, who was with Dela Cruz, said the church in Mindanao has been facing major challenges for the government to attain stability.

Quevedo, the first Mindanao Cardinal appointed by the Holy See, said poverty continues to exist in certain places in Central Mindanal, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan.

He said the church has been continuously working for the harmonious relationship between the Christians, Muslims, Lumads and people of other faiths that include Hindus and Taoists. 

Quevedo said the third major challenge is the peace and stability, and he urged the people here to closely monitor the way the basic law for the Bangsamoro is being framed in congress.