Make war to gain peace

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

THAT is not a smart-alecky statement. It has to be taken seriously, since in a sense it comes from Christ himself. Note what he said in the Gospel of St. Matthew:

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s enemies will be those of his household.” (10,34-36)

But lest we think such a statement is just a capricious, if not evil desire of Christ, he made some clarification. “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (10,37-39)

It’s clear that Christ wants us to make war against anything that would prevent us from being with him. And it is only with him when we can have our true and lasting joy and peace.

We just have to make sure though that when we wage war as suggested by Christ, we do it not out of hatred against anybody or anything, since God loves everyone and everything that he created. We have to do it with the same love God has for everyone and everything. It’s actually a war of peace and love.

We have to understand that in this life we have to make war to have peace. And peace can only come about, at least in this life, as a consequence of some war. Our life here on earth will always be a war of peace. We should not be surprised by this phenomenon anymore. It should be a given.

The war we will be waging here on earth will be a constructive war, not destructive. It is a war to win our way toward heaven. It is a war to make ourselves “another Christ,” a new man, stepping out of the old man that we all are due to sin. Any obstacle along the way, including those who are very close to us but who compete with God for our love, should be fought and rejected.

We have to remember that we always have to contend with powerful enemies in our spiritual life. The first one would be our own selves, our own flesh that has been weakened by sin. There is such thing as concupiscence, a certain attraction to evil that leads us to have a lust of the eye, lust of the flesh and the pride of life.

Yes, our Christian life here on earth will always involve some war, some struggle and effort, some combat. But all of this would be done in peace and for peace. The combination may sound incredible, but that is what Christ is showing and telling us.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace,” he told his disciples. “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16,33) If by faith and effort, we do our best to stick with Christ, we know that victory is always assured for us. Peace is gained by making war.

*Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE) Talamban, Cebu City

 Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

“Peace be with you”

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

AFTER the two disciples who were on their way to Emmaus recognized Christ at the breaking of bread, they hastily went back to Jerusalem to report what they experienced to the apostles and the others with them. 

You can just imagine how these people felt when suddenly Christ appeared to them and greeted them, “Peace be with you!” (cfr. Lk 24,35-48) As the gospel narrates, they were startled and terrified at that greeting, and thought they were seeing a ghost.

That reaction of the apostles was, of course, very understandable. They were witnessing something that purely went beyond the human and natural ways. It is something that we should always expect in our life. There will always be things, being spiritual and supernatural, that will leave us somehow startled and terrified also.

But let’s always remember that Christ always offers peace. So, at the end of the day, when we would be able to take a hold of our all-too-human reactions to supernatural realities, we should be at peace, a peace that Christ himself gives us.

Of course, with that Christ-given peace comes joy also. The two always go together. They cannot be separated, although their expressions may not tally with the worldly standards of joy and peace.

The joy and peace that come from God are always a fruit of a continuing spiritual battle to keep God’s love burning in us. It’s a joy and peace that is compatible with the cross. It is not afraid of suffering which also has an important role to play in our life and in the redemption of mankind.

It’s a joy and peace that comes as a consequence of faith and a growing identification with Christ who bore all the sins of men and the evils of this world and conquered them with his resurrection. In short, it’s a joy and peace that expresses a guaranteed victory even if at the moment we are still fighting and suffering. It’s an all-weather kind of joy and peace.

We need to examine ourselves to see if we have such joy and peace. It is actually offered to us for free. We just have to find a way of having and keeping it.

And one important way of doing so is to learn to pray, since prayer is our basic way of connecting with God that hopefully would lead us to a growing identification with him as we are meant to be. Remember that we are God’s image and likeness. With God’s grace we are supposed to do our part, free beings as we are, in realizing this divine plan for us.

Learning to pray would obviously need some plan. We have to go by stages. First, would be to learn the vocal prayers, which are already very important as they are inspired prayers given to us if not by Christ himself like the Our Father then by many holy men and women down the ages. 

As such, these prayers are very enlightening and would teach us what to say, how to say it, and the kind of attitude or disposition we ought to have. Going through them slowly, trying to figure out what they mean, would certainly help us connect with God.

Then we should just spend some moments everyday doing nothing other than meditating on God’s word as found in the gospel, and on the life and teachings of Christ as reflected in the lives and writings of the saints. This is how we can always have the peace and joy of God and with God!

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Mein jetziges Leben auf den Philippinen - my present life in the Philippines

 

Es ist einfach erklärt: als Rentner mit der Familie ist es wunderbar. Wir sind bereits seit 24 Jahren hier und  haben viele arbeitsreiche Jahre auf den Philippinen hinter uns. Ich arbeite gelegentlich immer noch etwas: wer rastet der rostet. Aber, wir leben in Frieden.

It's easy to explain: as pensioner with my family, it's wonderful. We have been here for 24 years now and got many busy years in the Philippines behind us. We still work occasionally. The one who rests rusts!!! And we live in peace!

Young and empowered youth stands for peace in Davao de Oro

 Davao de Oro --- The Youth for Peace Maco Chapter and the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion conducted the four-day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) on October 28-31, 2020 at the Atty. Orlando S. Rimando National High school, Barangay Binuangan, Maco with the theme "MALINAWONG DAVAO DE ORO: Ascending to Genuine Peace Building for a Higher Ground of Youth Empowerment".

 

The initiative was attended by around sixty-seven youth leaders from the different barangays and sectoral groups within the municipality aging from 21 to 35 years old.

 The objective of the activity was to empower and capacitate the youths to become responsible citizens and catalysts of spreading the culture of peace among the communities specially those conflict-affected areas.

 During the summit, the youth engaged in different lectures and team building activities to understand their vital role in national transformation; the various government programs for the youth; the prevailing issues and challenges that they may face; and how they could cope with the challenges as they embark on their journey towards becoming community leaders for peace building. Health protocols and safety guidelines amid COVID-19 were also observed.

 Former YFPM-Maco President, Elaine Marie Cabatingan believes in the power of peace-building as it is the way of promoting solidarity and camaraderie to attain peaceful community in the whole province of Davao de Oro.

 

The event was made possible through the support of the Local Government Unit of Maco (LGU), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), MDDRMO, and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).

 Meanwhile, the new graduates of the 6th YLS are now part of YFPM Maco and the growing number of volunteers of the Youth for Peace Philippines. They are expected to help the community in empowering other youth by leveling up their leadership potentials for active participation in nation building. (Rheafe Hortizano – Provincial Information Office, Photo Courtesy and Press Release of YFPM Maco)

Comval celebrates “United Nations International Day of Peace Commemoration in Pantukan

Compostela Valley Province---The provincial government of Compostela Valley celebrates the “United Nations International Day of Peace Commemoration” at Pantukan Sports Complex, Pantukan, Comval Province on September 21, 2019 with the theme: "Tapang at Malasakit para sakapayapaan." 

Sparked with the early morning sunshine of Pantukan’s Municipality, the United Nations International Day of Peace started with the registration of Participants at 5 o'clock comprised with Local Government Unit (LGU) Officials, 11 IPs of the eleven municipalities, Barangay Captains, Women's Group, Barangay Officials of Pantukan, PPDOC Comm. Member, PNP and the AFP and directly followed by the "Peace Walk" at 6 in the morning. 

The ceremony proper was opened by the welcome message of the Mayor of the Municipality of Pantukan, Hon. Roberto Yugo highlighting the importance of peace that should root in our hearts leading to listening and whole-heartedly forgiving others.

The United Nations International Day of Peace Commemoration envisions to bring together multi-sectoral groups such as civil society, religious groups, youth organizations, security sectors and others in a common activity where the international celebration will promote awareness in peace issues and showcase peace initiatives.

Compostela Valley Provincial Women Development Council (PWDC) chairperson Sholai Lim was set as the ambasdor of the International Women's Peace Group (IWPG). "My goal is to foster friendship among nations, to share and find consensus in the various issues the world faces today and hopefully restore our faith in humanity," said Lim.

Peace Consuls of Mindanao and other dignitaries attended the event namely Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos of AFP the Commander Eastmincom, BGEN Marcelo C. Morales Director Police Regional Office II and Emmanuel Manny Fantin Pinol the Chairman of MNDA. 

Highlights of the event were the turn-over of balls from Maharlika Sports and Football for Humanity and the Launching of the Solidarity Garden. " Dako akong pasalamat sa paghatag sa amua ug mga bola kay magamit namo sa among practice ug tournament. Sa Futsal nako nakuha ang akong kalipay ug puhon posible nga makaeskwela ko ug libre tungod sa futsal," said Jean Templanza, a member of the Pantukan Futsal team. 

The Solidarity Garden is a joint project of the Provincial Government of Comval and the LGU Pantukan and will be opened for the public soon. #YEStoDavaoDeOro (Justeen Abella, ID Comval) 

Mindanao Peace Council Month Activities 2019

By : Hope Militante Fernandez

Regional Directors

Division Heads

Chiefs of Office

Local Government Officials

Military and Police Officers

**** and unto all whom this message shall come ****

Dear Sirs and Madams:

Warm greetings of peace!

A group of Davao-based non-government organizations, government agencies, civic and volunteer organizations have come together to spearhead the celebration of International Day of Peace this year. With the theme "Climate Action For Peace , a month-long program of activities highlighted by the Mindanao Peace Council (Davao Peace Fair 2019) is envisioned to bring together multi-sectoral groups such as civil society, religious groups, youth organizations, security sector, and others in a common activity where the international celebration will promote awareness on peace issues and showcase peace initiatives. The Davao Peace Fair 2019 will be held on the actual date of the annual International Day of Peace as declared by the United Nations on September 21, 2019.

In lieu of this, we would like to invite your good office to join us and participate in the different activities organized by our Peace Partners in the Davao Region.

1. What are we celebrating on Sept. 21, 2019?

In 2001, the United Nation General Assembly by unanimous vote adopted resolution 55/282 , which established September 21 of every year as International Day of Peace.

2. What is the theme of the celebration this year?

The theme for 2019 is “Climate Action For Peace”

3. What are the objectives?

§ To reflect on the meaning of peace in the world today, and in the midst of what is happening now in our country

§ To educate the people to be aware of our responsibilities in peace-building

§ To celebrate the gift of peace

4. What is the initiative of Davao in response to the International Day of Peace?

In Davao Region, a month long celebration of Peace Fair will be held from September 14 – 29, 2019. The different groups and organizations will gather to celebrate and promote peace initiatives.

Program of Activities

September 14, 2019

3:00 p.m.

The Tionko Football Field,(Ecoland Bridge )

MPC Peace Month Kick – Off

“ BioKite Flying For Peace “

Maharlika Sports Foundation

JCI-Duwaling

September 19, 2019

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Xavier Hall Training Room, 8th Floor, CCFC Bldg, Ateneo de Davao University

Revisiting IPRA:

An IPRA Law Forum with NCIP

Contact Person :

Dadong Gumatao/Sir Macoy Samante:

UCEAC AdDU Office:

0932-3681546

ateneo.uceac@gmail.com

September 20-22,2019

Venue: Merkadu Strip,4F Skygarden,NCCC Mall, Buhangin, Davao City

KALINAW Bazaar @ Merkadu

Contact Person : Heidi-0908-8209038

Jaki – 0912-9830677

merkadu.davao@gmail.com

Everyone is invited to display and/or give services in the advocacy & public service booth for your respective office/agencies that will be available at the venue.

September 21,2019 MAIN EVENT

( Whole Day ) 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Venue: Municipal Gymnasium, Brgy. Kingking, Pantukan Gym, Compostela Valley

Solidarity Walk

Launching of the Solidarity Garden

“Trees For Peace “

Everyone is invited to display and/or give services in the advocacy & public service booth for your respective office/agencies that will be available at the venue.

Contact Person : Zenith Maceda

0950-3662565/09355651702

September 23, 2019

1:00-3:30 p.m.

Ateneo Training Room, 8th Floor

CCFC Bldg. AdDU

“Being with One “ Brahma Khumaris

An Inter-Faith Gathering

RSVP: 0999-995-3862

Culmination of Peacemonth 2019 :

Last weekof September Schedule (TBA)

Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental in Partnership w/ 73IB,10ID,PA

For all those interested to join please coordinate with the contact persons listed here.

We are hoping for your positive response to this invitation.

HOPE MILITANTE FERNANDEZ-MENDOZA

President/ Founder

H.O.P.E. (Humanitarian Organization for Peace Engagements)

Lead Convener

MINDANAO PEACE COUNCIL

Mobile No: +63 (9) 08-3053408

+63 (9) 550746999

Landline # : ( 082 ) 221-7909

E-mail Ad: hopefernandez@yahoo.com

"And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." (James 3:18)

If we strengthen business, we allow room for peace!

ComValeños initiate Business and Investment Security Summit

“If we strengthen business, we allow room for peace!” thus spoke Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy to 303 participants who witnessed the Compostela Valley Business and Investment Security Summit (CVBISS) held on August 10, 2018 at Big 8 Corporate Hotel, Tagum City.

The summit, initiated by Governor Uy being the Regional Peace and Order Council XI (RPOC) Chairman, was directly related to government’s aim to obtain an insurgency free and peaceful province while strengthening business growth. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Compostela Valley Provincial Director Atty. Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque presented the objective of the activity which is primarily to foster business enabling environment in CompostelaValley (ComVal) thru a simplified, standardand harmonized Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development effort including the provision of security for business sector. 

Security consultant Augustus Caesar B. Esmeralda who was tapped to help formulate the Provincial Business Security Plan,  said that the undertaking was in fact the first business and investment security summit ever held in Mindanao if not in the Philippines.  Esmeraldaenlightened the multitude regarding the asset protection,hazard identification, risk assessment, risk management, and risk response strategy. He also reiterated  salient points occurred during the Consultative Forum on Business and Investment Security held last July 30, 2018 and highlighted the importance of conducting drills and document control. He then briefly shared his experience in Thailand to which he quoted, “Terrorism kills Tourism”. To that, he identified the most common assets in the business industry around ComVal with high risk and were susceptible to extortion; real estate as the most common, followed by Human Resource, Commodities, Machineries and Equipments, Transportation and Supply Chain.

Among the highlights of the event was the ceremonial turnover of the ComVal Business and Investment Security Plan which was received by Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, PD Atty. Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque of DTI, the previous Governor, Arturo Uy, Mayor Roberto M. Yugo of Pantukan and Business Chamber of Representative.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) represented by Col. Richie Bucol, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) represented by Col. Gilbert Sarte and the Bureau of Fire and Protection represented by Chief Inspector RandolfArbutantealso showed their support and commitment for the attainment of peace and security in the province.

Later in the afternoon,Director Olly Dagala of Mindanao Development Authority showed the Investment Security Strategies in the Mindanao Corridor together with the Philippine Development Plan for Mindanao 2020 which mainly focus on ensuring the security of not just one region but all regions in Mindanao. Furthermore, Engr. Reynaldo Quijada of Apex Mining Co., Inc. and Marcelo M. Go of Lubi Plantation under Torre Lorenzo Development Corp. also shared their experiences related to security issues in their respective offices and how they handled and coped up to these events. Quijada built trust and confidence with the community by giving scholarship grant while Go extended his call for help by asking the PNP and AFP visibility around his premise.

The event ended with a brief reminder to everyone in which “Safety is everybody’s responsibility.”(Donna Bengson, DTI Comval)

Palace: We're Filipinos - let's talk peace in the Philippines

By: Alexis Romero (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — There is no need for a third party facilitator for the peace talks between the government and the communists because the matter can be addressed by Filipinos, Malacañang said yesterday.

“Let’s just say that as far as the President is concerned, venue matters. He does not understand why we should continue talking in Norway. We are all Filipinos. We can talk about it here in the Philippines. Why do we need to go far? It will just entail costs,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said at a press briefing.

Asked if there is a need for a third party facilitator for the talks, Roque replied: “Wala na po siguro, nandito na naman tayo sa Pilipinas. (Perhaps no more. We are here in the Philippines).”

“But you know, any party who wants to help and who’s been involved in the process can help. But the point of the President is he does not understand why we have to talk in another country,” Roque added.

Roque said the government peace panel has the authority to fix the logistics and other requirements for the resumption of talks. He noted that President Duterte has also offered to shoulder the costs of travel of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison and other communist negotiators who will join the talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF).

“The President is dead serious about (the talks). He has already asked the Department of Justice to file the necessary motions in court to set free individuals who will be participating in the talks and I think that is the best evidence of good faith on the part of the government,” he added.

Palace justifies delay
Duterte has moved the talks scheduled for this month to July, a move that communists said would enable the military to launch offensives against the New People’s Army (NPA).

Roque said the delay in the talks with the communists was meant to ensure that any agreement would pass legal scrutiny.

He said the communists should go slow in releasing documents and statements about topics that should be settled during negotiations.
“(Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) Secretary (Jesus) Dureza told me there are matters that should be discussed among negotiators and should not be released to the public,” he said.

“They can address their troops but let’s keep matters being discussed in the peace talks for the ears of the negotiators for the time being,” said Roque.

One of the documents released by the NDF is the supposed stand-down agreement that was said to have been signed by government and communist negotiators in Utrecht, the Netherlands last June 8.

The stand-down agreement supposedly required the two parties to cease hostilities to create an atmosphere conducive for the resumption of formal peace talks. The agreement also prohibits the conduct of offensives against combatants and civilians.

Roque said he could not comment on a document that was not released by the government.

“I have not seen the document and as far as I am concerned, we still have to subject it to authentication and vetting, which is our practice in the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson,” he added.

Communist guerrillas believe the government cancelled the resumption of peace negotiations because of a plan for an all-out military offensive across the country until the end of the year.

“By calling off the scheduled peace negotiations with the NDF, Duterte aims to give the Armed Forces of the Philippines more time to complete its military campaign plan for (the year) of mounting bigger offensives under Oplan Kapayapaan in the hope of crippling the NPA and inducing the NDF to negotiate a surrender,” the CPP yesterday said.

But Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has belied these claims. – With Artemio Dumlao, Michael Punongbayan, Jose Rodel Clapano

Comval remains peaceful and normal

PNP, PA: Comval remains "peaceful, normal"

By Fe F Maestre

 Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province--- Comval Provincial Police Office (CVPPO) headed by P/SSupt Marvin Manuel Pepino bared Compostela Valley "remains relatively peaceful and normal despite the proclamation of Martial Law in Mindanao with crime situation in the area of responsibility manageable."   

The updates, along with the reports from other law enforcement agencies,  were given during the quarterly meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chaired by Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy on October 24, 2017 at the provincial capitol.

Between July-September 2017, PSupt Jay Dema-ala reported a 44.25% crime solution efficiency (CSE) which is the percentage of solved cases out of the total number of crime incidents handled by the law enforcement agencies.  The same record shows that there is a significant decrease in the crime volume of 226 compared to the 334 crimes committed on the same period last year.

The crime statistics further showed a decline in the average monthly crime rate (AMCR) of covering the same period which now stood at 9.89% from 14.47% in 2016.

Further, the CVPPO also bared efforts on its illegal drugs operations. Covering the period of January-October 23, 2017, the CVPPO conducted a total of 154 operations with 170 individuals arrested. Of these operations, a total of 28.63 grams of Shabu and 188.3 grams of Marijuana were confiscated. 

Demaala, however added that the next updates will be reported by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). This follows after a memorandum was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on October 10, 2017 tasking the PDEA “as sole agency” to lead the war on drugs, specifically on the conduct of anti-illegal drugs campaign and operations.

“Of course, this will not cover those ‘in flagrante delicto’ or those caught in the very act of committing a misdeed,” he added.

Meanwhile, Col. Erwin Bernard Neri, the  new Commander of the 1001st Brigade based in Maco, Compostela Valley, assured the council of their continued peace-keeping efforts as he also expressed his gratitude for the support of everyone.

"I would like to  assure the members of this council  that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, through the Philippine Army, is doing its best to maintain peace and security...there are still some challenges...The security condition at this point of time is very manageable but again we still need your cooperation, your involvement, the cooperation of all other agencies just to secure the province against all forms of threat particularly the armed groups of CPP-NPA and the local terrorist groups," Neri said.

Gov. Uy, who recently delivered his 1st State of the Province Address last October 18, acknowledged the concept of peace as "elusive but possible through our collective efforts."

Stating the province's accomplishments in terms of peacekeeping efforts, he also recognized the importance of strong collaboration among different agencies and sectors.

"The multisectoral coordination among our people is the first step that has opened doors for sincere dialogues, strong collaboration, understanding and more progressive ways to involve the public in the deliberative efforts of the government especially in Peace and Order Programs," the governor said. (Fe F Maestre/ Info Division, Comval)

Photo captions:

1. (sopa)

Comval Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy together with the heads of the national agencies, Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police during the "1st State of the Province Address (SOPA)" on October 18, 2017 at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol.(Photo by m. lasaca/PS Comval)

2. (PPOC)

The conduct of quarterly meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chaired by Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy on October 24, 2017 at the social hall, provincial capitol, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Comval. (Photo by m. lasaca/PS Comval)

3. (PMCC) 

Comval Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy attended the Program Monitoring Coordination Center (PMCC) meeting held on October 23, 2017 at DENR Office-XI, Davao City.(Photo by G. Getubig, Info-Division Comval)

A child named "Peace"

Born amid Marawi conflict: A child named 'Peace'

ABS-CBN News

Posted at Jun 25 2017 05:16 PM

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Sahir closes his eyes as her mother lulls him to sleep inside a packed evacuation center in Iligan City. Rod Bolivar, ABS-CBN News

MANILA - In a packed evacuation center in Iligan City, Tarhata Mustari carries her month-old child she initially named Marcial as they try to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Sunday.

Mustari gave birth to her baby last May 23, the day Islamic State-inspired terrorists took over portions of their hometown, Marawi City.

She named her baby Marcial at first because it was the day President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in the whole Mindanao island.

But later on, Mustari said she decided to change the name of her child to Sahir, the Maranao word for peace, hoping for good things to come for her baby boy.

"Sana lumaki siyang maging masigla, makapag-aral siya nang mabuti. Sana mahaba pa rin ang buhay naming lahat," the mother said.

Mustari said Sahari's name is not yet legal as they have yet to get and sign documents needed from the Marawi City Hall's registry due to the ongoing war.

There are over 3,000 displaced Marawi residents staying in five evacuation centers in Iligan City, while 45,604 stay are home-based evacuees, data from the local government show.

In Barangay Buru-un alone, there are already some 269 evacuees. The most crowded evacuation center in Iligan is the Santa Elena Gymnasium where around 1,198 uprooted residents stay.

Displaced Marawi residents are hoping and praying that the conflict ends as soon as possible so they can return to their homes.

But a military spokesman last week said military operations against the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups in Marawi may still take time.

As of latest count, the government said they have killed at least 280 suspected terrorists while there are already 69 deaths on the government side.

At least 26 civilians, meanwhile, have also died due to enemy fire, according to the military, who admitted having difficulty in forcing enemy snipers out of their hiding places. -- Report from Rod Bolivar, ABS-CBN News

German Lawmakers Supportive of Duterte's Peace and Development Agenda

(PNA) Members of the German Bundestag, Germany's lower house of Parliament, has expressed their full support to peace and development initiatives being espoused by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The German lawmakers expressed this during a courtesy call at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process early last week.

"We wish you all the success, because it could be a very good time, not just for the Philippines, but for the reason to sit together; and this can be a positive sign that could
Dr. Erwin Rueddel, German Bundestag parliament  member, this writer
and wife.

help end conflict, "German parliamentarian Dr. Thomas Gambke said. He also lauded and expressed at Bundestag's support for the Philippine government's transparent and inclusive approach on the peace process.

Gambke, who is the Parliamentary Friendship Group of Relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) states chair, was joined by other German lawmakers Petra Ernstberger, Caren Lay, Elvira Drobinski-Weiss, Erwin Rueddel (photo above), Gordon Kricke, and Deputy Head of Mission (German Embassy), H.E. Michael Hasper.

Deputy Head of Mission (German Embassy) Michael Hasper and this writer

They were received by OPAPP Undersecretary for Peace Accords Nabil A Tan who discussed with them the Duterte administration's Peace and Development Roadmap, focusing on plans to implement massive socio-economic interventions and the continued and full implementation of already signed peace agreements with various rebel groups.

"The President has expressed strong will to honor peace agreements and reduce level of violence so that the poverty-alleviation and development programs can be implemented while talks are there," Tan explained.

While the OPAPP executive expressed high optimism for positive results within the year on the negotiations with the communist groups, he also told the German parliamentarians that there is a need to manage expectations.

"(P)ease process is not a destination as to when we can conclude, but it is a journey," he added.

OPAPP Secretary Jesus "Jess" Dureza and this writer

OPAPP Secretary Jesus G. Dureza was in Oslo, Norway, for another round of formal talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front.

Part of the agenda of the second round of peace talks held from October 6-10, involved discussions on the Comprehensive Agreement for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law; the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms; and the Comprehensive Agreement on the End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces.

National Peace Consciousness Month Celebration in Compostela Valley

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) together with the Local Government Unit of Compostela Valley Province celebrates the “National Peace Consciousness Month” last September 30, 2016 with the theme “Kita ang Pagbag-o, Kita ang Kalinaw.” (a. dayao/ids comval)

Comval celebrates the “National Peace Consciousness Month” last September 30, 2016 where a “Liwanag ng Kapayapaan” symbolizes the greater impact of the community on Peace Advocacy.  The peace forum also ended with a Boodle Fight as a community sharing of meal together. (a. dayao/ids comval)