Al Qalam Institute strongly condemns what are vicious and cowardly acts of terrorism against innocent civilians in Cotabato City last August 5, 2013. We join with all our fellow Cotabateneos, Mindanaons, and Filipino brothers and sisters in calling for the swift justice and bringing the perpetrators to the full extent application of the law.
We strongly believe that no amount of political cause could ever justify such and immoral, evil, and cowardly act against humanity.
As the peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, we call upon the President and current administration to reaffirm the values and principles that were signed in the Framework Agreement of the Bangsamoro.
We also call on to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to work with our authorities to fast-track the investigations and identify the perpetrators swiftly, and to encourage their communities in addressing the problem of terrorism.
Furthermore, we call to our authorities to respect human rights and will do any form of “witch hunting” and observe the true essence of due process for all Muslim civilians. This act of terrorism must not justify any form of discrimination towards any Muslim Filipinos in our country.
We grieve for all the victims of the bombing. However, we fear that any military action without fully understanding the nature of the conflict cannot stop nor eradicate terrorism.
As part of the academe, we call upon our leaders to recognize that in order to address our problems of terrorism and discrimination, our nation must understand its root causes. We hold out the hope that these root causes can be addressed through non-violent means, in a way that promotes peace and harmony through interreligious and intercultural dialogue between the Muslims and Christians.
We call upon our fellow Mindanaons to remain strong and have faith in God as He will guide us and protect us from evil.
OOOPPPS — ang source in next mail . ibutang to under the statement