How can peace be elusive as its is seemingly now when all you hear these days are clarion calls for stable peace down to dawn in Mindanao? Towards the end of Ramadan there pervades an aura of reconciliatory vibes and forgiveness. The yearning for peace is felt from east to west and from north to south. Despite all these we ask in desperation, "Why is the search of peace such a difficult task?"
If a cease fire agreement can be sustained, then why cannot a permanent truce be attained? What does it take for protagonists to yield to the deafening call of the overwhelming majority for the forces to lay down heir arms and silenced these forever? There is so much land to share, so much resources to develop, the seas are so rich with a cornucopia of marine wealth. But the opportunity to make these resources productive is lost in the futile struggle for an independent state that stirs apprehension among those who abhors it. That is why the partnerships and joint ventures among Filipinino Muslims, Lumads and Christians is so extremely difficult to attain because that struggle comes in the way to reconciliation, trust, unity and peace.
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When can we talk and talk and laugh and share our sorrows and joys without (?) having to ask what our religious faiths are, our ranks and station in life like children who harbor no hatred but only genuine friendship and love?
With friendly permission from my publisher of Mindanao Daily Mirror, Marietta Siongco, posted again on this website.
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