Church workers join Negrenses Farmers, fisherfolk struggles inspire in quest for peace church workers to form local PEPP in Cavite By Rev. Eric P. Baldonado ore than a hundred priests, Mpastors, nuns, lay leaders, and delegates of progressive groups called anew for the resumption of peace talks as they graced the launch of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform’s chapter in Cavite on January 11, 2019.

With the theme “Sowing Justice, Reaping Peace,” the local chapter was initiated by the Cavite Ecumenical Movement Photo courtesy of Ecumenical Bishops Forum and Ecumenical Bishops’ Forum - egros island is one of the poorest archipelago, accounting for half of Southern Tagalog, in Nregions in the country. More the nation’s total sugar production. partnership with the Philippine than 1.5 million of its population are Sugar became the country’s main Ecumenical Peace Platform living below the poverty threshold, agricultural export commodity in National Secretariat. according to the Philippine Statistics late 1700s up to 1970s. Even with Authority (PSA). the consistent decline in sugar The founding of the PEPP Cavite exportation since the 1970s, marked an important cause in the Known as the sugar bowl of the has remained a mono-crop economy ecumenical body’s advocacy to , Negros is the largest with almost 350,000 sugar push for peace talks and address sugar-producing region in the workers depending on this industry. the roots of the armed conflict in the country. Continued on page 9 Continued on page 4 is a quarterly Pursuing peace in the Pe a ce Builder newsletter of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform Philippines with editorial offices at: By Bishop Rex B. Reyes, Jr. 2nd floor NCCP Building 879 Epifanio de Los Santos hen I was asked to talk Union for the protection of human Avenue Wabout “pursuing peace in rights defenders four years ago, cor. EDSA and Quezon Avenue the Philippines” I assumed that I the esteemed Retired Justice Raoul Quezon, City am to share my reflections both V. Victorino, Chairperson of the Philippines as an indigenous person and as NCCP and the self-proclaimed one involved in the ecumenical longest serving member of NCCP’s Facebook: Philippine movement for the last 24 years. Executive Committee reiterated Ecumenical Peace Platform that indeed, the search for a Email: [email protected] As you know, indigenous peoples just and lasting peace remains a Contact No: 0927-6303392 are among those greater mass vocation of the NCCP. of the citizens of this land who bear the brunt of continuing The affirmations of Bishop Reuel The Editorial Board: marginalization and vulnerability Norman Marigza yesterday (his caused by a mindset that promotes message at the consecration of Bishop Rex B. Reyes, Jr. “othering”. The areas they the first woman bishop of the IFI Editor in chief occupy are targets for so-called the day before), underscored the development - the exploitation leadership of the IFI and the UCCP Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma SJ, DD. of water resources, minerals in this regard and yes, not without Associate editor and forests. This is true not only pains as it is with any endeavor that among indigenous peoples in the disturbs our assumptions of peace Bishop Deogracias S. Iniguez, Jr. Philippines but also in many parts and justice. The experience of the Bishop Noel A. Pantoja of the world, by whatever name northern dioceses of the Episcopal Sr. Mary John Mananzan OSB they are called - hill tribes, first Church on local peacemaking also Editorial Consultants nations or aboriginals. comes to mind. We can recall also ecumenical initiatives in Southern Mervin H. Toquero Remember also, that during the Tagalog, the and many Pastor Carlton James Palm dramatic years of Martial Law, parts of mainly for just Cesar Villanueva the ecumenical movement in the and lasting peace. Truly, no other Editorial Assistants Philippines, especially the National concern has united the NCCP Council of Churches in the member-churches in prayer and Ofelia A. Cantor Philippines, took a major paradigm action as the concern for just and shift and made peacebuilding and lasting peace. peacemaking its enduring concern. Thus, the NCCP supported the In the past several months, we have Pe a ce Builder January - June 2019 peace process initiated by President been witnesses to the continuing Volume 1 Issue No. 1 Fidel V. Ramos, a military general loss of lives and the vilification of and a Protestant. But beyond that, those who speak for them. The IFI the NCCP supported the peace of course is not without her own “Because everyone will work talks based on its theological concrete experiences of vilification. for justice, there will be peace and pastoral reading of our time. We are also witnesses to the and security forever.” Since then, the NCCP has not serious effects of environmental -Isaiah 32:17 balked. Until the NCCP renewed degradation by the so-called a partnership with the European economic agenda of government. Next page 2 | PEACE BUILDER We are also witnesses to graver 1) Our own people are fighting each a viable peace settlement. The social stratification because of other. There is war in this country agenda and the agreements reached political loyalties. It would seem we and it has been raging fifty years so far are remarkable mainly are moving round and round going now. The sooner we realize this, because they identified the issues nowhere. We are not. Peacemaking the better it shall be for us to unite that brought about the conflict and and peace-keeping is not vanity. for greater resolve towards peace- seek to address those issues. Truly, We can celebrate the achievements making and peacebuilding. Many before us now is the wide picture of the peace talks between the years ago, Paul offered a perspective of injustice and the human and Government and the NDF in the giving us a way of understanding environmental degradation that past. Certainly, the four-fold agenda our concerns today. In telling the cannot be left for the politicians of the peace process, the signing Ephesians to gird themselves, alone to resolve. It also takes our of the Comprehensive Agreement he said: “For our struggle is not faith and resolve to do so. And on the Respect for Human Rights against enemies of blood and flesh, and International Humanitarian Law and other signed documents are stand-out agreements. Only those whose language is war will find these documents flawed and unacceptable.

I have just been to my hometown and I left a bit distressed by what I saw and heard. There have been clashes between the elements of the Philippine National Police and that of the New People’s Army in the province. It came to me in a more profound way that we have a long way to go in terms of peace education. What are the causes of this social stratification and the Photo by Carlo Manalansan/Bulatlat ensuing conflict that leads to loss of lives, not only of combatants but but against the rulers, against the we go beyond the propaganda- of civilians? What is the Christian authorities, against the cosmic mongering by the enemies of peace response in our days as our people powers of this present darkness, and justice. It is important for us take sides in the conflict rather than against the spiritual forces of evil in the church to call an end to the on the urgency of peacekeeping in the heavenly places” (Ephesians labelling of people. For instance, and peacemaking? Do theology and 6:12). Our faith bids us to look the association of activism, or in mission have something to say or deeper into the structures that our case as Christians, prophetic shall churches prefer silence in the perpetuate violence and un-peace. witnessing to communism name of neutrality and in the name It would seem then that all of us or insurgency or being anti- of the principle of the “separation are caught in this vicious cycle government or any other lable has of the state and religion”? that pits one side against the to stop. The Constitution guarantees other - certainly not a way towards the right to express one’s political We are drawn into the conflict reconciliation. opinion without fear of harassment and must pray and contribute or persecution. Labelling people to its resolution for at least two The peace process is understandably does not promote the climate for reasons: arduous. But what I do know is that peaceful conversations. there is no other alternative towards Continued on page 8

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF PHILIPPINE ECUMENICAL PEACE PLATFORM | 3 Ang Ating Tugon: This has prompted the ecumenical PEPP and EBF body to establish a local chapter of PEPP in the region, as church launch online workers have long stressed that advocating for a just peace is weekly talk show an imperative of one’s faith and Participants call for the resumption of peace mandated by no less than the he Philippine Ecumenical Peace talks in Tagaytay City during the PEPP Cavite Scriptures. TPlatform and the Ecumenical launch. Bishops’ Forum have launched Continued from page 1 Farmers, fisherfolk... During the gathering, participants an online weekly show to discuss discussed the prospect of pressing issues affecting the people For years, thousands of the resumption of the peace from the faith perspective. in the towns and cities in Cavite negotiations under the Duterte have been displaced due to administration, which has “Ang Ating Tugon is about looking widespread land-use conversion unilaterally terminated the peace at people’s issues from the faith and reclamation projects, to name talks and ordered the arrest perspective. It is about looking at a few. Such projects have put at of peace consultants. Some of problems and challenges affecting risk the lives and livelihoods of the NDFP peace consultants the people and asking how we would poor and lowly farmers, fisherfolk, were released in August 2016 to address these through the teachings workers, and those dwelling in poor participate in the earlier round of of Christ as articulated in the Holy communities. talks. Scripture and Christian doctrine,” said its host Benjie Oliveros. Among those who graced PEPP Cavite’s founding are: Sister M. Ang Ating Tugon began in October 2018 and has since discussed Lydia Villegas OSB, convenor various issues that range from just of RISE UP - Southern Tagalog, and decent wage, overseas Filipino Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez (Roman workers, attacks against the Church, Catholic), Bishop Renante “Dan” resumption of peace talks, proposal to Ebueza (PCEC), Bishop Solito lower the minimum age of criminal Toquero (UMC), Bishop Emiliano A symbolic support and blessing to the new responsibility, the midterm elections, PEPP Cavite officers. Domingo (IFI) and Archbishop to name a few. Ronel “Rafael” Gracio (ACC).

The weekly online show is aired in partnership with Radio Veritas Asia Filipino Service, through its social media accounts. Providing technical assistance is the Alipato Media Center, which publishes one of the country’s oldest online media outfits Bulatlat.

Oliveros, editor-in-chief of Bulatlat, and also active in the Catholic Church ministry, noted the importance of shows like Ang Ating Tugon in “propagating justice and peace and the Good News of our Salvation.”

4 | PEACE BUILDER ‘A voice for peace’ | Founding of the Now the PEPP is a platform for advocacy of church leaders - Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform both from the clergy and laity that were officially designated by the Core group: Association of welve years ago, an In early 2007, the NEPP Major Religious Superiors in the Tecumenical gathering in the established a Focal Group in the Philippines (AMRSP); Catholic Philippines led to a momentous Philippines which held its first Bishops Conference of the and important expression of workshop in Dumaguete City on Philippines (CBCP); Ecumenical faith among many church leaders May 17 to 19 that year. Bishop’s Forum (EBF); National and laity -- the founding of the Council of Churches in the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Among those who joined the Philippines (NCCP), and Platform. Focal Group are: Association of Philippine Council of Evangelical Major Religious Superiors-Task Churches (PCEC). The PEPP was born out of efforts Forces Detainees of the Philippines of the Norwegian Ecumenical (AMRSP-TFDP); Catholic Relief Church leaders reflected on Peace Platform (NEPP) and Services (CRS) of Manila and the prevailing situation of various church leaders and laity Davao; Pax Christi Pilipinas unpeace in the Philippines, the as they search and promote Secretariat in Bacolod; Social Action immediate need for creative solutions to the long-standing Center of Pampanga (SACOP); conflict transformation and armed conflict in the Philippines. Silliman University in Dumaguete; the imperative for a political Southern Christian College (SCC); settlement to the armed conflict As the Royal Norwegian Philippine Peace Center (PPC); and between the GRP and the NDFP. Government graciously took Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement. on the third party facilitation Today, the PEPP remains a voice of the peace talks between the This led to the proposal of members of the Church that consistently Philippine government (GRP) of the Focal Group to convene and urges on the conflicting parties and the National Democratic form the PEPP. into a continuing substantive Front of the Philippines (NDFP), peace dialogue. the ecumenical sector in Norway started establishing contacts with their counterparts in the Philippines, and together, found ways to support the peace process.

The NEPP conducted two fact- finding trips to the Philippines in August 2004 and February 2005. This eventually led to a pilot phase of the program in 2006, where the NEPP’s ecumenical adviser visited the country three more times to identify relevant collaboration partners, existing dialogue venues and peace- related initiatives. Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, Jr. in a protest calling for the resumption of peace talks between the NDFP and the Philippine government. Photo by Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF PHILIPPINE ECUMENICAL PEACE PLATFORM | 5 8:48). As his gift to the apostles at the Last Supper discourse, Jesus says, Why are we for just peace? “Peace I leave with you, my peace I By Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you” (John 14:27).

As the Risen Lord, Jesus repeatedly halom” in the Bible means The prophet Isaiah presents this encounters the apostles with the “Speace. It connotes material ultimate goal for the community of greeting, “Peace be with you” (Luke and spiritual well-being. For the nations: “Come, let us climb to the 24:36). Again he says, “Peace be believer, shalom means God’s gift, Lord’s mountain....They shall beat with you. As the Father has sent me, but also man’s task. To examine their swords into plowshares and so I send you” (John 20:21). It is in more fully the meaning of peace in their spears into pruning hooks. this light that the message of Easter Sacred Scripture, we can explore One nation shall not raise the sword is one of peace and hope for a better the many ways that it has been against another, nor shall they train world. Thus, St. Paul reflects on the expressed in the history of the for war again” (2:2-5). The Messiah very person of Jesus Christ: “For he Chosen People. himself is called the bearer of Peace: is our peace, he who...broke down the “The people who walk in darkness dividing wall of enmity” (Ephesians 1. Peace is a basic attribute of God. have seen a great light,...for a child 2:14). is born to us,...They name him... “The Lord is peace” (Judges 6:24). Prince of Peace” (Is 9:1-6). 5. The peace of Christ is in the first God’s creation forms a harmonious place our reconciliation with the whole, the original peace of the 4. The promise of peace that runs Father, and then with our brothers cosmic order. The story of Creation through the and sisters. in the first chapter of Genesis Old Testament St. Paul often starts echoes with the constant refrain, finds its his letters invoking In the Philippine the peace that comes “God looked at everything he had fulfillment in context, there made, and he found it very good” the life of Jesus from the Father: (Genesis 1:31). Christ in the can be no “Grace to you and “peace without peace from God our New Testament. 2. Peace represents the fullness of dialogue Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans life. At his birth, and a sense the angelic 1:7). This peace of solidarity comes from the The prophet Malachi depicts host proclaims: among all Yahweh’s relationship with his “Glory to God love and mercy of chosen one in terms of a covenant: in the highest, Filipinos, the Father which is “My covenant with him was one and on earth especially conditioned only by of life and peace” (2:5). Peace is peace to those among the last our own forgiveness of one another: the effect of God’s blessing upon on whom his and the least. his people. This is reflected in one favor rests” “Forgive us our of the earliest blessings for God’s (Luke 2:14). .In debts, as we forgive people: “The Lord look upon his proclamation of the Kingdom our debtors;.. if you forgive you kindly and give you peace!” of God during his public ministry, others their transgressions, your (Numbers 6:26). Jesus includes the beatitude: “Blessed heavenly Father will forgive you” are the peacemakers, for they will be (Mt 6:12-14). Thus, our Lord 3. Peace is the goal of life in called children of God” (Matthew counsels his disciples, “Into society, as in the Messianic vision 5:9). When he heals the sick, he tells whatever house you enter, first of society. the young girl, “Daughter, your faith say, ‘Peace to this household’” has saved you. Go in peace” (Luke (Luke 10:5). Reconciliation with Continued on page 7

6 | PEACE BUILDER Youth affirms commitment as opposing the amendments for peace to the Human Security eace talks, ituloy!” Act and the “P proposed This was the resounding call of Mandatory young Christians who gathered Reserve Officer on February 23 to 25 during the Training Corps, second council of leaders meeting and the call activists, in addition to the killing of the Kalipunan ng Kristiyanong for a clean, honest, and peaceful of several church leaders for Kabataan sa Pilipinas in Iloilo midterm elections. speaking for justice.” City. They argued that the proposed amendments to the Human This, they added, also “turns a At the three-day forum, the Security Act may be used “in blind eye towards resolving the council of leaders meeting adopted conjunction with the attacks on real causes of insurgency in the several important resolutions such church people and human rights country.” Student journalists look deeper into social, economic reforms ver 90 student journalists The 77th National Student Press Oacross the country gathered Convention, with the theme, in City on March 6 to “Campus press at the forefront 10, 2019 to better understand of people’s struggle for truth, the need to push for peace as justice and democracy,” gave an talks on social and economic opportunity to student journalists reforms remain pending with the to discuss the importance of the terminated negotiations between peace talks, in the light of pressing Student journalists during the CEGP National the Philippine government and the current events. Convention. Photo courtesy of CEGP. National Democratic Front of the immersion trip to urban poor Philippines. Apart from the lively discussion, communities in , where the students also had a short Continued on page 8

From page 6 Why are we for just peace? with your feet shod in readiness for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

our neighbor is also a way of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:14- generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, reconciling with the Father. 15). In the words of Pope Francis, self-control” (Galatians 5:22). These Christians are always “missionary gifts of the Spirit are the signs of the 6. Working for peace cannot be disciples” sharing the gospel of peace coming of the Kingdom of God: “For separated from announcing the wherever we are. the kingdom of God is not a matter Gospel which is the “Good News of of drink, but of righteousness, peace, Peace.” 7. As with the early Christians, we are and joy in the Holy Spirit....Let us called to live a life in the spirit where then pursue what leads to peace and The good news of the love and mercy peace reigns. to building up one another” (Romans of the Father expressed by the Son is 14:17-19). It is the Holy Spirit that the very basis of peace in our society: “The concern of the flesh is death,” guides us as peace-builders in our “He proclaimed peace through Jesus Paul asserts, “but the concern of the troubled world today. Christ, who is Lord of all” (Acts spirit is life and peace” (Rom 8:6). 10:36). The Apostle to the Gentiles Indeed, in contrast to the allurements 8. Peace is the fruit of justice; it is also urges the early Church, “Stand fast of the world, “the fruit of the Spirit is the fruit of love and solidarity. Next page

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF PHILIPPINE ECUMENICAL PEACE PLATFORM | 7 Continued from page 7 Why are we for just... Our time marks a generation of intended to provide a way out of the fighting with a heavy cost on all economic and political injustices The prophet cries out, “Justice will of us. Young lives on both sides of which are among the bases of the bring about peace; right will produce the conflict are being wasted. And insurgency. We were jubilant that calm and security” (Is 32:17). This while I do respect the decisions early on his term, President Duterte is echoed in the psalmist’s prayer, of many, it is undeniable that the radiated hope that the process will “The Lord will proclaim peace to his idea of passing on to the next proceed. Why the sudden change people....Love and truth will meet; generation the sad state of affairs of of mind? The answer does not lie justice and peace will kiss” (Ps 85: Filipinos fighting Filipinos is a most on what he said but on the reasons 9-11). Peace then is synonymous disturbing scenario. why he changed with the pursuit of justice, love his mind. and truth. There can be no peace 2) It is our vocation as a church The peace without justice; while love and truth and as churches to “preach peace But we do not process is are handmaidens of justice and to those who are far off and to lose hope and understandably we do what peace in the world. those who are near”. The peace of “arduous. But we are good Christ is intensely a personal one, what I do know In the Philippine context, there so is the love of Christ. Yet, that at doing: can be no peace without dialogue peace and that love are at the same praying, is that there and a sense of solidarity among time relational. They find meaning working and is no other all Filipinos, especially among the and measurement in terms of our uniting to alternative last and the least. Working for a behavior and relationship with advance just towards a and lasting Just Peace entails addressing the others. Christ, knowing how forgetful viable peace root causes of conflict. Faith-based peace. These we could be further summed up the settlement. communities reach out to their own ten commandments into two. The are so marked understanding of a fraternal society command to love our neighbors as in our under one Father in heaven. The we love ourselves is neither a result liturgical, theological and pastoral pursuit of Shalom -- as a gift from on or a consequence of the command formulations. The story of your high and a task for us in this world -- to love God with all our hearts and church and the bishops before you is our prayer and responsibility. with all our minds and our being. and certainly some of you as well Yesterday, at the examination of as of those in other churches is a Bishop Emelyn Dacuycuy two story of a church grounded in the questions in the Ordinal stood out aspirations and therefore of the Continued from page 7 Student journalists... for me: a) “Will you boldly proclaim struggles of the people, rooted in and interpret the Gospel of Christ, theological thought that searches the they were able to see first hand the truth to set us free and prophetic in sufferings of the people that are enlightening the minds and stirring up the conscience of your people?”; its pastoral vocation when it speaks born out of policies deemed by out even when it is not fashionable critics as anti-poor. and b) “Will you be merciful to all, show compassion to the poor and to do so, and holding on to an eschatological hope that has begun Student journalists also discussed strangers and defend those who have no helper?” to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ who attacks on press freedom. said “do not fear, I have overcome the Short of being repetitive, the world (John 16. 33b). May it be so for The forum was conducted in many years to come. partnership between the College proclamation of God’s sovereignty Editors Guild of the Philippines and His will for peace, concretely manifested in our call to pursue Note: This is a modified article from and the Philippine Ecumenical the presentation before the Supreme Peace Platform. the peace negotiations remains to be our calling. Like many of you Council of Bishops of the Iglesia perhaps, I often wonder why the Filipina Independiente on May 6, peace talks was scuttled just when 2019. the second agenda to be taken up is

8 | PEACE BUILDER A few weeks later, on Nov. 6 at around 10:30 p.m., the lawyer of the families of victims was gunned down in , .

Benjamin Ramos, 56, sustained three gunshot wounds and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

After the Sagay massacre, Duterte himself issued a shoot-

Negros agricultural workers cultivate the land by feet in one of their bungkalan areas. (Photo courtesy of Kilusang to-kill order against Magbubukid ng Pilipinas) farmers occupying private lands. Continued from page 1 Church workers join... owned by just 6,820 big and small “My orders to the police and the Landlessness and slave-like wages landlords. continue to beset sugar workers. soldiers, shoot them. If they resist violently, shoot them. If they die, I Based on UMA’s research, 95 do not care,” Duterte was quoted as Most in Negros islands percent of sugar workers in Negros saying. remain untouched. Data from Occidental receive only P33 to P66 DAR- show that as per day. This despite the minimum The Duterte administration of September 2016, more than wage for non-plantation and prioritized the region in its 95,000 hectares have yet to be plantation agricultural workers in the counterinsurgency program. In distributed under land reform. province set at P245 and P255. Ninety-nine percent of these December 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte placed Negros, along with lands are private agricultural To fight hunger, thousands of Bicol and Samar, under the state of lands. farmworkers have resorted to emergency through Presidential bungkalan or collective land Memorandum No. 32. Duterte Moreover, an estimated 70 cultivation since 2009. The bungkalan ordered the deployment of more percent of sugar lands that were campaign has earned the ire of troops to the region allegedly to “curb distributed have been leased to landlords, who utilized state security lawless violence and acts of terror” landlords due mainly to lack forces to quell the farmworkers’ and “prevent such violence from of support services and other legitimate struggle for survival. support facilities, according to spreading and escalating elsewhere in the country.” the National Federation of Sugar Since October, Negros has again been Workers. brought to national attention after State security forces apparently the massacre of nine farmworkers in took to heart Duterte’s order. The Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Nene, Sagay City, Negros Since December 2018, at least 21 Agrikultura further revealed Occidental. The farmworkers just individuals were killed in several that of the 424,130 hectares of finished clearing the land for their towns. sugar lands in Negros Island, 40 bungkalan when their hut was strafed percent are owned by only 1,860 by paramilitary forces on Oct. 20, 2018. Next page big landlords and 30 percent are

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF PHILIPPINE ECUMENICAL PEACE PLATFORM | 9 Responding to the situation, the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform, in cooperation with the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) Negros Occidental, conducted a Dialog of Life for Land and Peace: Regional Workshop on CASER on February 6-7, 2019 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

More than 80 participated in the two- day workshop, including peasants, Grade 12 students of St. Scholastica’s Academy, leaders and members of St. Benedict Human Development Foundation (SBHDF), and nuns from Sr. Elen Belardo, RGS and National Coordinator of Rural Missionaries of the Philippines sharing RMP. her thoughts on the on going struggle for land of the poor peasants in Negros. Ofel Cantor discussed the national A national fact-finding mission Rev. Fr. Chris Gonzales, the situation while Pastor Carlton found state security forces involved spokesperson of Church people- “Cobbie” Palm of PEPP core group in the March 30 operations in Workers Solidarity and the Director discussed the historical roots of the Negros Oriental liable for murder, of Social Action Center, Diocese of pursuit for peace and justice. theft and other rights abuses. The Bacolod gave the Biblico Theological report revealed that all the 14 Reflection (BTR) on Land and Life. The participants ended the farmers killed in Canlaon City, He shared the historical struggle for activity with the call for the Manjuyod and Sta. Catalina were land and life which was described in resumption of peace talks unarmed and were already under the old testaments and reflects it in between the government and the the custody and control of state the Philippine settings. He stressed National Democratic Front of security forces when they were that many lives were spilled in the the Philippines and to address killed. struggle for genuine land reform. the roots of the armed conflict by In his homily, Fr. Gonzales urged pushing for the Comprehensive Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Church people to support the Agreement on Socioeconomic San Carlos City, demanded an struggling people. Reforms (Caser). Land reform and independent investigation into the rural development, and national March 30 incidents. A daughter of one of the Sagay industrialization form part of massacre survivor recounted their Caser. “We don’t want to turn our experience. NFSW Secretary General beautiful island of Negros into a John Milton Lozande also discussed Unfortunately, a month later, killing field!” he said. the plight of sugar workers and the another tragedy took place in human rights situation in Negros. Negros. Bishop Alminaza warned that human rights abuses committed by On March 30, 2019, fourteen the government forces would only farmers were killed in “anti- make them “best recruiters” for the criminality” operations of underground movement. combined forces of the police and military in three towns of “Please make sure you are not Negros Oriental. Twelve others adding more reasons for our were arrested and charged with people to get disillusioned with our Participants calling for the resumption of the trumped-up cases. government and peacekeepers,” he peace talks. said.

10 | PEACE BUILDER Peace talks and martial law in Mindanao

t has been two years since Imartial law in Mindanao was declared by President Duterte and cases of human rights violations continue to mount.

In the three-day regional seminar and conversation for Northeastern Mindanao (from Feb. 28 until March 1, 2019) initiated by the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), participants from Misamis Oriental, , Agusan del Norte, Agusan del families flee from their communities due to heavy militarization. (Screen grabbed from the film Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao entitled “DEFEND-Stories of Mindanaoans in the Time of Martial Law by EJ Mijares) del Sur and Cagayan de Oro City shared the situation on of the people with the martial law that they inherited from their the ground. Also present were declaration. ancestors. participants from the government, religious groups and community In Tugaya, Valencia, Bukidnon, six No basis leaders. They reported cases families belonging to Talaandig of harassment of activists, red tribe had to walk for six days as It was May 23, 2017 when tagging, arbitrary detention of they seek refuge in another village President Rodrigo Duterte declared Lumad leaders due to trumped- after being harassed by the military. martial law in Mindanao following up charges and fake New People’s clashes between government Army surrenderees. “They (soldiers) accuse us of being troops and the Isis-inspired Maute NPA members but we are farmers. group in Marawi City. There is also massive evacuation We plant corn to earn a living so of Lumad from their communities we can send our kids to school,” a Despite ‘winning’ the war against due to the intensifying mother said. Maute, Duterte did not lift martial counterinsurgency program of the law in October 2017. By now government. This led to the closure Joseph, a leader from Opol, martial law has been extended at of 77 Lumad schools. Misamis Oriental, was threatened least three times since May 2017 with arrest if he would not until the end of 2019. Meanwhile, Mindanaoans in far- surrender. He was accused by the flung areas continue to suffer from military as an NPA supporter. Rehabilitation in Marawi City is lack of basic social services such as still nowhere to be seen. According health and education. Joseph said the soldiers are being to the International Committee used by palm oil companies of the Red Cross (ICRC), over People’s suffering encroaching upon their ancestral 100,000 people of Marawi have not land. yet returned to their homes, many A documentary entitled “Defend – families have not yet recovered Stories of Mindanaoans in the time But Joseph said they will as they are still dependent on of martial law” shows the sufferings continue to fight for the land assistance. Continued on page 13

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF PHILIPPINE ECUMENICAL PEACE PLATFORM | 11 Peace talks under Duterte

Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares during the Our Faith, Our Vote forum. Bishops push for electoral education month before the midterm Aelections, church groups gathered together to collectively discern who among the senatorial candidates truly aim for the common good of the Filipino people. Fourth formal peace talks in April 2017 at The Netherlands. (Photo by Jon Bustamante) he Philippine Ecumenical it will, instead, focus on “localized In the forum dubbed as “Our Faith, Peace Platform (PEPP) was peace talks.” Our Vote” on April 8 at the Maryhill T saddened by the termination School of Theology, more than of the peace talks between the The terminated talks come at a 200 reflected on the significance Philippine government and the time when both parties are set to of the midterm elections amid the National Democratic Front of negotiate on social and economic administration’s attempts to control the Philippines. reforms, which is considered as the the senate towards declaring martial “meat” of the talks. law or the so-called revolutionary In a statement, the PEPP PEPP challenged Duterte to see government. Lawyer Alex Lacson, maintained that it is the Filipino through a just and enduring peace convenor of the People’s Choice people who will be “at the losing as his administration’s lasting Movement, said the Church must end” if parties will not return to legacy. actively campaign for deserving the negotiating table. candidates to frustrate the They said, “Peace is urgent and administration’s plans. Both parties have been hailed imperative. With real commitment for the unprecedented pace to peace the impasses can be The issue of national sovereignty, in the peace negotiations overcome through gestures of which included the lopsided at the onset of the present confidence.” China deals that will put at risk the administration. However, country’s ownership and control over both formal and informal its natural resources, was highlighted negotiations were stalled as an electoral issue. repeatedly in 2017. President Rodrigo Duterte unilaterally The Ecumenical Bishops Forum cancelled the talks when in partnership with the Philippine he signed Presidential Ecumenical Peace Platform and Proclamation No. 360. Association of Major Religious Superiors organized the forum. Today, the Philippine government has announced that Photo by Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform

12 | PEACE BUILDER Church calls for peace talks resumption

hurch leaders and lay groups Ccalled for the resumption of peace talks, following the killing of 14 farmers in Negros as they culminated the forum, “Our Faith, Our Vote,” last April 8.

Regional Workshop and Peace Conversation with peace advocates held in Feb 28-March 1, 2019.

Contiinued from page 11 Peace talks and ... discomforting for the people,” For many cause-oriented groups, Bishop San Francisco said. martial law in Mindanao has not addressed but exacerbated the root The PEPP has been calling for the causes of the problem. Contrary to resumption of peace talks between the National Democratic Front of Photo courtesy of Promotion of Church the government’s claim that there is People’s Response. “significant progress in the peace and the Philippines and the Philippine government. They urge the both Much like in its war against order situation in Mindanao,” human illegal drugs, authorities claimed rights group Karapatan has recorded parties to return to the negotiating table especially since there are that the farmers were killed at least 800,000 victims of civil and when they resisted arrest on political rights violations. drafts of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic March 30, while members Reforms, the second substantive of police and military were Some of the cases recorded were the carrying out the so-called Oplan Patikul massacre in September 2018 agenda in the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations. Sauron. About a dozen farmers, where seven youths were found dead too, were arrested. after harvesting fruits from their “Something is wrong. Let’s prevent farmlands, the Jolo twin bombings Church people said it is urgent in January this year as well as the bloodshed and prevent evacuations. Let us call for the lifting of martial for both parties to return to the bombing of Lumad communities formal negotiating table and to which resulted in forced evacuation. law in Mindanao and start the peace talks,” she added. talk on how to address the roots of the armed conflict. Church people call to stop martial law in Mindanao, resume peace talks

Bishop Ligaya F. San Francisco during the conference urged the church people to unite and work for peace.

“We live comfortably but all Protesters light candles for 136 killed in the those things we heard are very Photo courtesy of Promotion of Church past two years of martial law in Mindanao. People’s Response. (Photo by John Aaron Mark Macaraeg / Bu- latlat)

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF PHILIPPINE ECUMENICAL PEACE PLATFORM | 13 The unwavering peace advocacy of Rey Casambre

n September 16 last year, ORey Claro Casambre spoke at the House of Representatives’ Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity. Among those in the room were Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, then GRP Negotiating Panel Chairperson. In the evening, Casambre joined a dinner-meeting with lawyers and a politician in Quezon City. They talked until 11:00 that night.

It was a long , typical working day for Casambre. In his 60s, thin, with greying to white hair and a habit Photo courtesy of Unite for a Just Peace, Free Rey Casambre’s Facebook page. of looking for hope and humor in Philippines (NDFP), he frequently December 6. From afternoon even the most desperate situation, discusses its achievements, its that day until the wee hours of the Casambre is a known advocate goals and setbacks and what needs morning the next day, December 7, and authority on the peace process to be done to make it a reality, 2018, he and his wife were tailed on in the Philippines. As executive in seminars and conferences on the road, accosted by armed men, director of the Philippine Peace peace-building in the country and forced at gunpoint to leave their car Center providing volunteer services abroad. while the armed men “searched” for the peace negotiations between into their car for half an hour, the Government of the Republic For Casambre, that typical day in and, finally, after midnight, they of the Philippines (GRP) and the mid-September last year would were brought to a police station National Democratic Front of the assume a different light come in Bacoor where they learned they were “arrested,” and that the armed men who tailed them for hours and searched and arrested them belonged to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group- National Capital Region (CIDG- NCR).

In the cold light of December 8 morning, the inquest prosecutor found the police allegations “preposterous,” dismissing with use of common sense what the police claimed they saw for the simple reason that firearms and explosives, along with a 13-inch Macbook cannot all fit in the open dashboard NDFP Consultants Wilma Tiamzon Ariel Arbitrario and Rey Claro Casambre. (Photo by Kodao Productions) compartment of a car.

14 | PEACE BUILDER “The loopholes and named, it would turn out, were contradictions in the police’s own also very far from that site at the narrative are simply too large time. to ignore,” said lawyer Rachel F. Pastores, managing counsel of How remote is Lupon? It is 1,493 the Public Interest Law Center kilometers from Manila. The fastest (PILC) handling Casambre’s case. to reach it from Manila is by going to the NAIA, taking a two-hour Unfortunately it is not the only flight and then a four- to five-hour “preposterous allegation” that van ride. From the drive to check- up to this writing has kept in at NAIA down to Lupon, these Casambre in prison. It requires mean a total of nine hours of non- remembering his activities in stop travel that was unavailable September and demanding to Casambre or other ordinary Photo by Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform common sense like what the mortals who were in a meeting in prosecutor in Cavite did to reject Manila until 11:00 pm, six hours What he notes as new is that the December 7 “preposterous before he was allegedly spotted in civilian agencies and institutions, allegations.” Lupon, Davao Oriental. including the courts, are increasingly being used as weapons Old and new attacks in defense “Presumably, there is no need to in an “even more vicious counter- of vested interest, status quo argue my innocence of the crimes insurgency campaigns invoking the state has charged me with to ‘national security’ and ‘national “An army private swore before throw me behind bars and detain interest’.” a Lupon, Davao Oriental fiscal/ me indefinitely,” his message read prosecutor that he saw and at the launch of a campaign for his This is the first time for Casambre recognized me as one of the NPA release and for a just and lasting to share a crowded jail with a few fighters shooting and wounding peace on January 20 this year. other political prisoners and more him in a remote Lupon sitio” suspected drug pushers, addicts, early morning of September 17, “This betrays a high-level sinister thieves, swindlers, wife beaters, etc. Casambre said. He was arrested though crude design to put me Criminal or not, each has the right and kept in jail on the basis of behind bars by twisting the law to be presumed innocent before a warrant of arrest issued by a and perjuring the judicial process,” the bar of justice, Casambre said. judge in Davao Oriental acting Casambre said. Yet he is finding out that nearly on this army private’s account. all of those in jail had been set up This soldier named others While the military thinking behind by “overzealous law enforcers” and with Casambre as allegedly this kind of attack is not new to charged with illegal possession participating in that early Casambre, he warned against the of firearms on top of the original morning ambush. The others “new” types of attacks added to criminal charges. it to shield the status quo from criticisms and activist movement After his survey of others in jail, demanding genuine change. he sees himself as belonging to “a small fraction of the tip of the “National security” is equated to iceberg of the mass of unjustly maintaining the status quo. The charged and incarcerated.” vested interests of the powerful few, both domestic and foreign, He has so far missed one Christmas are misrepresented as “national and New Year with his family; interest”. These are not new, moving up ceremonies and school vacations of his grandchildren; the Cora and Rey Casambre. (Photo courtesy of Casambre said. Public Interest Law Center.) Continued on page 16

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF PHILIPPINE ECUMENICAL PEACE PLATFORM | 15 Many testify to Rey’s pluck We are all for peace and justice as a tenacious peace advocate, and we would like to see a dialogue who has steadfastly worked to and peace negotiations to resume in open lines of communication “order to arrive at a just and lasting “and help resolve impasses in peace. Rey has been a valuable contributor and consultant the peace negotiations. of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform of which I am a co-chair… Rey has been a valuable partner in the peace - Unite for Just Peace! Free Rey Casambre! talks and dialogue that take place in formal circles but also for ordinary citizens and civil society groups.”

As I witnessed him -Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD deliver his speeches with Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro heart and soul, I could not Co-chairperson, Philippine Ecumenical Peace help“ but marvel at his faith Platform and great aspiration for the resumption of the Peace Talks. If your arrest goes beyond the role you have And he is not alone. Many played as a consultant to the NDFP, but also target have journeyed with him in dialogue – bishops, the you as a peace advocate and the peace movement in religious and clergy, academics, government officials, general,“ this is an even more serious action taken by diplomats, and, of course, the people themselves. I the Duterte administration. The peace movement in admire those who continue to share the Philippines must not be deterred by these wrongful this aspiration for Peace. actions. Now is the time for mobilization and to stand stronger together.” -Sr. Aida Casambre RGS Aron Johan Halfen Sister of Rey Claro Casambre Project Manager, South Africa and Asia Caritas Norway, Norwegian Ecumenical Peace Platform

continued from page 15 The unwavering peace... I have known Rey as a peace advocate. In fact, a great peace campaign season for the have also cried against advocate. He is the executive 2019 midterm elections “preposterous allega- “director of the Philippine Peace and what he could have tions” soon enough. contributed to bring to Center and serves as resource persons for peace fore the issues of peace. advocates and groups in the country, especially the “I would like to think Meanwhile, at his age, Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform… We call on that the real reason I am he has been forced to the government for all trumped up charges against being detained – indef- endure the burning heat him be dismissed and all other political detainees initely if the kingpins of and various privations should be freed. national security have in the country’s cramped their way – is that some- prisons. -Bp. Felixberto L. Calang how I am contributing my share to the people’s Iglesia Filipina Independiente He currently awaits the Convenor, Sowing the Seeds of Peace struggle to overhaul this Lupon court decision unjust and undemocrat- that would free him from ic social system. Only prison. If that court is not diehard reactionaries being used as a weapon would condemn this as a against peace advocates criminal act.” as he observed, it would

16 | PEACE BUILDER