1 Table of

Contents The Editorial Board:

Bishop Rex B. Reyes, Jr. Amid rights violations, calls for Editor in chief resumption of talks ring louder 3 Bishop Antonio J. Ledesma SJ, DD Associate editor ‘Land and social justice’ tackled in 5 Bishop Deogracias S. Iniguez, Jr. forum Bishop Noel A. Pantoja Sr. Mary John Mananzan OSB Editorial Consultants Peace conversation continues 5 Mervin Sol Toquero Pastor Carlton James Palm Under siege? Cesar Villanueva 6 Editorial Assistants How service to the poor filled the Ofelia A. Cantor 9 Circulation Manager void in Sr. Ellen’s heart Peace Builder is a quarterly newsletter of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform with editorial offices at: ‘Be a steward of creation, not de- 2nd floor NCCP Building struction’ 12 879 Epifanio de Los Santos Avenue cor. EDSA and Quezon Avenue Quezon City, Laudati Si and Peace forum held 14 Facebook: Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform

EBF-North Luzon holds 1st work- Email: [email protected] shop on the environment and 15 peace Contact No: 0927-6303392 June - December 2019 Advocates on why we should push Volume 2 Issue No. 2 16 for peace talks “Because everyone will work for justice, there will be peace and security forever.” - Isaiah 32:17

2 Amid rights violations, calls for resumption of talks ring louder

he call for the resumption of peace negotiations more military checkpoints in the earthquake-affected Tbetween the government and the National communities to ensure that only “legitimate” relief Democratic Front of the Philippines has rung louder workers have access to evacuation sites and to monitor amid the escalation of human rights violations in the the egress and ingress of residents. country. The Iloilo peace forum stressed the importance of In a forum dubbed as “Yes to all-out peace, No to strengthening ecumenical solidarity and for church all-out war” held in on Sept. 19, 2019, people to deepen their resolve to journey with the participants reflected on the Bible teachings and the oppressed. current situation in the country. The nearly a hundred participants, mostly seminarians, pointed out the state Earlier this year, a forum on the stalled peace talks was of unpeace in with a martial law rule still held on May 23 to 26 in Surigao del Norte to engage in place. young churchgoers to call for its resumption.

Human rights groups have long assailed the growing Their exposure and participation in the various rights violations in the region. Militarization, too, sessions and activities during the forum, “enabled has intensified after Martial Law Administrator and them to realize the need to know these issues besetting Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana ordered for our church and the people of Mindanao.”

3 This made them become more resolved to “sustain the A church that liberates campaign for pushing for the resumption of the peace talks in their respective dioceses and parishes.” During the peace caravan, church workers listened to the human rights situation of the Mangyan people, Reaching out to IP communities particularly members of their grassroots organization Hagibbat. The dialogue allowed church workers to Meanwhile, a peace caravan was held on August become even more aware of their situation and to 28 - 29, 2019 in Mindoro. Led by UCCP Bishop further understand the Mangyan’s struggle for peace Joel Tendero, at least 95 church leaders and workers and the protection of their ancestral domain. travelled to different towns of the province to show their unwavering commitment in the pursuit of peace They also approved a resolution to help the Romblon and justice. Mindoro Ecumenical Movement to widen its support.

The peace caravan particularly looked into the dire human rights situation in Mindoro, where indigenous peoples are experiencing massive militarization, aerial bombing, forced evacuations, harassments, and even killings.

During the peace caravan, participants also listened to the plight of church workers of the United Methodist Church Glofie Baluntong and Rev. Willy Yasay as they narrated how they were harassed by the military for Sister Mary John Mananzan and other advocates ring bells of peace during an ecumenical providing sanctuary gathering in Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City. to human rights defenders in June They then headed to the Provincial Capitol of Mindoro 2019. Oriental to hold a dialogue with its provincial government. As church workers, Dr. Rommel Linatoc of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines said, it is the Bishop Solito Toquero of the United Methodist Church mandate of faith to uphold rights and human dignity. reminded the people during the peace caravan that He gave an input on the Comprehensive Agreement the Church is not merely an institution but rather a on the Respect for Human Rights and International movement that liberates the people. Humanitarian Law, a historic document signed in 1998 as a result of the peace negotiations between the Philippine With reports from Susan J. Ibelgaufts, Rev. Sharon government and the National Democratic Front of the Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes, Christy Mae Quimno, Philippines. Marlyn B. Anicete, UCCP Bishop Joel E. Tendero

4 Photo by Dabet Panelo ‘Land and social justice’ tackled In its effort to raise awareness on the roots of the The forum also tackled the ongoing human rights armed conflict in the country, the Philippine Ecu- violations in Negros province, including the in- menical Peace Platform organized a forum on land famous Sagay 9 massacre, and the plight of the and peace on September 16, 2019 at the Redempto- Lumad of Mindanao. rist Seminary in Cebu. Among those who arrived were seminarians and Fr. Benjamin Alforque, MSC explained the impor- students from St. Scholastica’s Academy and the tance of agrarian reform in upholding social jus- Rogationist Seminary in Cebu. tice. This, he said, was among those discussed in the now stalled talks between the Government of the With reports from Kharl Vyncent Magbago, Rev. Fr. Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Nazario “Ace” Vocales, and Bulatlat. Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Peace conversation continues

At least 50 church workers, students, and lay at- husband, chairman of the local chapter of Kilusang tended a forum on the plight of farmers and the call Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, has been very active in for peace in a forum dubbed as “The Continuing the fight of farmers for their right to till. Conversations on Peace” on September 18, 2019 at the UCCP Cosmopolitan Church along Taft Ave- “Every attack against a farmer is an attack to the nue, Manila. country’s food security,” Udarde told the audience.

Woman peasant Winnie Udarde shared how her The forum was organized by the UCCP Wednes- husband Ireneo was arrested in broad daylight on day Forum, in partnership with the Philippine Ec- January 28, 2019 in City, along umenical Peace Platform. with Lumad leader Datu Jomorito Goaynon. Her

5 Under siege?

hou shall not bear false witness against thy and faith-based organizations who uphold human rights “Tneighbor.” and human dignity are being attacked. Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David was resolute in The sedition charges against known critics, in fact, is just his strongly-worded statement when he cited the eight among the many apparent attempts to stifle dissent in the commandment upon learning that he was among the 36 country. respondents in the sedition charges filed by the police in relation to the infamous “Bikoy videos.” Ludicrous case?

The viral Bikoy videos dubbed as “Ang Totoong Narcolist” The sedition charge, cyber libel, libel, and obstruction of linked President and his family to the justice complaints, were filed against 36 respondents, of illegal drug trade in the country. whom eight belong to the clergy.

Known for being a vocal critic of the Duterte administration, The charges were based solely on claims of Peter Joemel Bishop Virgilio said such accusation is “not only unjust, Advincula, who came forward to say that he is behind the they are atrocious.” However, no matter how these may “Bikoy videos” and that the respondents met with him in seem beyond belief – the truth remains that church leaders a covert meeting to pin the Duterte family as the country’s

Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David (Photo by Ciriaco Santiago

Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, a vocal critic of President Duterte’s war on illegal drugs, is greeted by parishioners.

6 Nuns and supporters symbolically cast away the evil as they face the image of Gen. Hermogenes Esperon who filed perjury charges against human rights defenders. (Photo courtesy of RMP-NMR) biggest drug syndicate, which supposedly happened inside currently facing perjury charges before a Quezon City court. the compound of the Ateneo de Manila University. This after National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. claimed that RMP’s certificate of registration had been Advincula first surfaced to accuse President Duterte and revoked since 2003 when it sought a remedy before the his family of their supposed links to the illegal drug trade Philippine court to be protected in light of the widespread but later changed tune when he was already under police vilification and attacks against human rights defenders and custody. church workers.

Davao , Catholic Bishops’ RMP, however, said that the faith-based group has filed Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, vouched a petition for renewal of registration back in 2010 and for implicated members of the clergy, saying that they are subsequently submitted necessary documents required by “bishops whose sincerity, decency, respectfulness and love the Securities and Exchange Commission. They continue, in for our country and our people are beyond doubt.” fact, to operate as a non-government entity to this day.

Apart from church leaders, other respondents to the case Sr. Elenita Belardo, one of the respondents to the case and included: Vice President Leni Robredo, detained Sen. Leila current national coordinator of the RMP, said the perjury de Lima, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, former senators Antonio case only aims to divert the people’s attention away from Trillanes IV and Bam Aquino, and senatorial candidates Chel bigger issues such as their demands for right to life, liberty, Diokno, Florin Hilbay, Gary Alejano, Romulo Macalintal, security, and privacy. Samira Gutoc and Erin Tañada. “We urge the religious community to condemn this Perjury preposterous accusation and to stand with us as we face this ordeal. Furthermore, we enjoin our fellow Christians to join Meanwhile, leaders of the Rural Missionaries of the us as we continue our missionary commitment to stand with Philippines (RMP) and human rights organizations are the rural poor for land, justice and peace,” Sr. Belardo said.

7 Nuns join the One Faith, One Voice rally on January 25, 2019. (Photo by Janess Ann Ellao)

Red tagging Apart from the PEPP, many faith-based groups both here Church groups, too, are also being subjected to vilification, and abroad have reached out to NCCP and publicly stood amid their strong stand on issues on human rights and by them for their sterling track record in peace-building, peace. human rights and humanitarian work.

During a congressional hearing, Deputy Chief of Staff for PEPP co-convenor Bishop Rex RB Reyes Jr. said, “the life Intelligence Major General Reuben Basiao of the Armed and work of NCCP is on record. It is an open book. No Forces of the Philippines named the National Council of one can deny its major contributions to Christian unity, the Churches in the Philippines, along with other faith-based promotion of God’s word and the proclamation of God’s and humanitarian groups, as a front organization of the reign”. Communist Party of the Philippines. Whenever the Church side with the poor and the oppressed, “Indiscriminately labelling persons and organizations they are persecuted by the powers-that-be. The subjects creates fear and danger. Such actions can pose security of these attacks are the most vocal defenders of human risks and threaten the lives of the labelled persons or that rights and just peace and the perpetrators are the enemies of the organizations’ staff and their families,” the convenors of genuine change. With reports from Bulatlat.com / of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform said in a joint Peacebuilder statement.

8 How service to the poor filled the void in Sr. Ellen’s heart

Photo by Janess Ann Ellao

t 80 years old, there seems to be no slowing down several challenges in her life. But her resolve has never Afor Sr. Elenita Belardo of the Religious of Good faltered. Shepherd. Among these challenges included harassment from the Sr. Ellen grew up in a comfortable life – with their powers-that-be. This year, a ranking military officer family owning a big land estate in Silang, Cavite, a charged Sr. Ellen, along with other human rights province south of Manila. In fact, her first taste on the defenders and church workers, with perjury. This after issue of social justice was when her family faced an they have sought redress before the Philippine court agrarian dispute with their tenants. over the rampant rights violations being committed against their fellow human rights defenders in the Their family, after several failed negotiations, decided country, spanning from red-tagging to graver rights in the end to sell the estate to rid themselves of the abuses such as extrajudicial killings. proverbial headache – her father had told them that the tenants have “taken advantages” of their leniency Still, Sr. Ellen remains adamant in pursuing her human in handling their agrarian affairs. Little did she know rights advocacy. After all, one of the primary movers that she will have more encounters with agrarian that shaped her life was her determination to go out of disputes later in life. her comfort zones and find fulfillment in serving God and God’s people. Years later, however, Sr. Ellen as a nun would be active in helping farmers in their campaign for their right to “Prayer is very important. We do not disregard it. But land. Her tireless support for farmers have led her to it has to be accompanied by a prophetic action,” the soft-spoken nun said.

9 Happy childhood three days. I told the priest that nothing was happening. But I was told to continue praying,” she jested. Eleventh out of a brood of 16, Sr. Ellen grew up in a big family. They were taught to love and care for one She eventually joined the RGS as an aspirant, though another, most of all for their youngest who had special initially without her father’s blessings. Her family needs. One of her best childhood memories, in fact, was positive that her father would hinder her from was watching and cheering as her brothers played pursuing a religious life. basketball. “My brother brought me to the bus station in Cubao “Even our youngest would play basketball,” Sr. Ellen as I was heading to Baguio for a summer retreat. My said. father learned about it and tried to stop me. Good thing the bus already left when he arrived at the terminal,” Their youngest died a tragic death when he was 56 – she said. trapped in their burning house. Remembering it now still welled Sr. Ellen’s eyes as she nodded slowly and To the communities said, “We loved him.” Now a full-fledged nun, Sr. Ellen taught at Maryridge in Looking back, she said growing up in a big family Tagaytay, a boarding school for young girls managed by helped her later in life to deal with different types of the RGS congregation. Being far from the metropolis, people who have their own quirks and preferences. she said, had insulated them from the harsh realities brought upon the people during the martial law rule. Finding her calling

Sr. Ellen taught Social Sciences and English at St. Therese’s College. While it was fun teaching, she found something “lacking” in her heart. It was only until a school retreat came that it finally dawned on her that she was being called to religious life.

She chanced upon a book on the Religious of the Good Shepherd, sent to her by her brother who was then studying priesthood in the United States. Learning more about the RGS and its prophetic mission to care for the neglected and the forgotten even more cemented her decision to respond to her calling.

“I felt at home right away,” she said.

Sr. Ellen met with several RGS figures in their convents both in Tagaytay and in Quezon City. This eventually led her to meet Sr. Christine Tan, a nun who resisted the martial law rule of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who was then handling the aspirants for the RGS congregation.

“I was told to pray. But I was already praying for Sr. Ellen (far left) is a peace advocate both in heart 10 and in deed. prayers led us to the RMP,” she said, referring to the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP).

Their meeting with the RMP equipped the RGS sisters to analyze the situation confronting their communities with a different perspective. She was particularly struck on how they revisited the Philippine and how the injustices she witnessed could be traced to far back.

This, she added, became an eye-opening moment for her: they cannot do it alone.

Sr. Ellen in a fact-finding mission with the Bulacan farmers. Sept. 2009 (Photo by Upon returning to Isabela, the RGS congregation Rural Missionaries of the Philippines) led educational campaigns not just among the peasant One day, her students came up to her to bring her news communities they worked with but also among from Metro Manila. schools. These, she said, were warmly welcomed by the people, who, too, were hungry for explanations for the “Sister, we are too comfortable here when it is already perennial problems they are facing – of landlessness troublesome out there” one of her students said. and poverty – and how they can contribute towards finally implementing a genuine change. The news disturbed her, making her feel restless and with a strong desire to do something. This, too, Living up her calling amid challenges coincided with a call for the Church to return to the Gospel. Not too long after that, she decided she was Sr. Ellen has never since turned a blind eye to ready to live among the poorest of God’s faithful. challenges confronting the Filipino people – not now, most especially, in face of widespread violence, killings, Solving a problem bigger than them militarization, and harassments.

Sr. Ellen and several other RGS nuns lived in a peasant “We were always guided by biblio-theological community in Isabela, where she stayed for six years. reflections. So our response is in line with what God “What really attracted me here is our way of living. We and the people want: a life that is better, a life that is just lived a very simple life, ate simple food, and without and free,” she said. additional furniture for our home,” she said. On her 80th birthday last April 1, she bought ice cream Their group was eventually offered a place to stay for a group of lay and church volunteers from Northern within the community so they need not walk hours to Mindanao who, at that time, underwent psychological visit them. To live and breathe the life of a peasant, she debriefing as they were being subjected to threats and added, helped her realize how good life has been for vilification by the military. her but “others are living a life that isn’t.” “I never told them it was my birthday. It was how I She worked closely with women peasants and “tried wanted to celebrate it,” she said with a smile. to see what God was telling us.” Three years into their work, however, Sr. Ellen could not see any significant Since her response to her calling, the void in her heart development with the communities they are working has disappeared and is now overflowing with so much with, making them re-assess their work. passion to help the poor and the oppressed.

“We searched for an organization who can help us. Our (With reports from Bulatlat / Peacebuilder) 11 The community of barangay Kasibu, Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya have united in defense of the environment and their liveli- hood. (Photo by Carlo Manalansan) ‘Be a steward of creation, not destruction’

ita Magastino still could not believe that the house she tribe from Misamis Oriental was forcibly displaced from Rbuilt for over a decade was demolished overnight. his ancestral domain. The land where her house once stood was cleared to make He sought sanctuary at the United Church of Christ in the way for the tailings dam of Oceanagold, an Australian- Philippines (UCCP) after massive logging, geothermal, Canadian mining company that has been operating in hydroelectric, plantation and mining industries have taken Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya for the past 25 years. over their lands, forcing their community to evacuate.

For now, the company stopped its operation, following the In the name of development, Magastini and Hilogon have strong public outcry to finally put an end to the widespread both lost their homes, livelihoods, and their land. Their destruction it has brought on the environment. now woven fates have served as proof that the promise of a full and abundant life prove to be a challenge under the Meanwhile, in Mindanao, Jun Hilogon of the Higaonon present circumstances.

12 led campaigns against black sand mining and illegal logging Being good Steward of Creation in the Sierra Madre mountain range.

UCCP Bishop Joseph Agpoao told Peacebuilder in an “Destroying the environment not only affects the trees or interview that those behind the massive environmental the rivers, these companies directly kill the people who destruction are ignorant of the true purpose of God’s depend on these resources,” Bishop Agpoao said. creation -- and it was never for the money. Development for whom? “We are blessed by God through nature. We are called as stewards of His creation to protect it with all our strength,” Calling for the integrity of God’s creation, however, Bishop Agpoao said. boils down to the question of who benefits from these developmental projects, said Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao, The UCCP bishop has been very active in incorporating the D.D. from the Diocese of Bayombong in Nueva Vizcaya ecological teachings in their Sunday classes, sermons, and in an episode of Ang Ating Tugon, an online program in seminars—in every avenue where they could educate the partnership between the PEPP, the Ecumenical Bishops’ people. Forum, and the Radio Veritas Asia.

But more than educational campaigns, Bishop Agpoao He described the people’s struggle against the continuing said it is important to immerse in the life and struggle of large-scale mining operations in Didipio, Nueva Ecija as a affected communities. He, himself, has led several missions challenge that should not only pose concern to the affected in pushing for the protection of the environment. communities but to the rest of the country as well.

In the late 1990s, he witnessed how the church contributed “They did not only destroy our mountains. The mountains on the halting of the proposed coal power plant construction literally disappeared,” Bishop Mangalinao said, adding that in Cauayan City, Isabela. residents lost access to potable water and lands to till.

Bishop Agpoao was also among the church members who The good bishop of the Roman clarified

A closer look at the destruction brought by Oceanagold to the community of barangay Kasibu, Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya. (Photo by John Aaron Mark Macaraeg)

13 that said he does not mind foreign investors coming to the Philippines to invest. However, the teachings of the Church states that profit cannot take precedence over the welfare of the future generation.

“We are earning so much from the mining industry. And yet they are leaving behind a community that suffers because they are not taking care of the environment,” he said.

Responding to God’s Call

The united efforts to protect the community, in solidarity with church people and their provincial government, has led to the halting of the mining operations in Didipio. Church people stand in solidarity with the people of Nueva Vizcaya in demanding Ecumenical gatherings have been held a stop to large-scale mining. in support to the community barricade, “Our justice advocacy has somehow neglected the other including an Environmental and Peace towards Ecological earthlings particularly the nonhuman creatures and Justice training workshop led by the National Council he entire system, which are subjugated and abused by of Churches in the Philippines and the Roman Catholic irresponsible human beings and therefore equally deserve Church. They were later joined by two more faith-based justice,” Rev. Lope Robin said. organizations, the PEPP and the EBF – this time exploring the same fate of the people of Mindanao who are also (With reports from Bulatlat) experiencing the same plight. ‘Laudato Si and Peace’ forum held

A whole-day symposium was held by the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform in partnership with the Diocese of Bayombong titled, “Laudato Si and Peace” on October 25, 2019 at the St. Louis School, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya.

The Laudato Si and Peace forum delved into the impacts of large-scale mining in their province, as the Didipio community affected by the mining company OceanaGold calls for the permanent halting of its operations. Students from different schools in the province listen to the speakers during the forum. (Photo by John Aaron Mark Macaraeg) Laudato Si refers to the second encyclical of on the “care for our common home.” Among those who attended are nearly 300 students and teachers from the six schools run by the diocese. Participating students, for their part, looked into These are St. Louie School, St. Catherine School, Im- what they can do to promote their advocacy for the maculate Conception Academy, St. Teresita Academy environment and peace. and St. Jerome Academy.

14 EBF-North Luzon holds 1st workshop on the environment and peace

Bishop Elmer Mangalinao of the Diocese of Bayombong leads one of the workshop groups.

he Ecumenical Bishop’s Forum-Northern Philippine government and the National Democratic TLuzon (EBF-NL) in partnership with the Front of the Philippines will address the root causes of Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) armed conflict. held the first ever training workshop on the environment and peace on Sept. 23 to 25, 2019 in The proposed Comprehensive Agreement on Socio- Diadi, Nueva Ecija. Economic Reforms (CASER) and updates on the observance of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International This training workshop on Environment and Peace Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) were also discussed. towards Ecological Justice is historical because this is Governor Carlos Padilla, meanwhile, lamented that the first gathering of bishops and senior clergy from mining operations of Oceanagold and FCF destroyed several members-churches of the National Council of the natural resources of the province and brought Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) and the Roman crisis to agriculture and to other livelihood of the Catholic Church for the year. At least 56 participants, people. The governor acknowledged the importance including 14 bishops, joined the activity. of the people’s movement to win the struggle against Oceanagold. This was also the first time that the ecumenical bishops and senior clergy visited the affected community of Participants in the said workshop were from the Didipio, expressed their solidarity in their struggle Roman Catholic Church, the United Church of Christ against mining and offered prayers. in the Philippines, Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Ang Iglesia Metodista sa Pilipinas, Episcopal Church in During the Biblico-theological reflection, Dr. Rommel the Philippines and Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Novo Linatoc of NCCP reminded the participants of their Vizcayano para sa Kalikasan. role as peace makers. He said peace talks between the

15 “Various forms of collaboration among churches are fundamental elements in a “It is civil society’s sound ecumenism. The Pope acknowledges responsibility to the realities where we can all work together always take the side of among which the promotion of harmony, peace whenever it is education for peace, advancement of social threatened.” justice and protection of the environment.” -Ms. Ofelia Cantor, -Gabriele Caccia PEPP Program Apostolic Papel Nuncio Secretary, during a peace summit in Siem Reap Photo by Davao Catholic Cathedral

“Pope Francis tells us that the right to life is the first among human rights. The killings in Negros must stop. First, we must invigorate conversations in our church communities to console ourselves and the bereaved families of extrajudicial killings victims, to draw strength from our solidarity and to have a common goal in addressing economic and political realities. Second, we should promote integral peace, push for social jstice and socio political economic reforms that will address the historical roots of the conflict in the Negros Island and the whole country.”

-Most. Rev. Gerardo Alminaza D.D. Photo by Manila Bulletin Bishop of Diocese of San Carlos

“Human rights are very much related to peace. Where there is no peace, human rights are abused especially of the most vulnerable. In fact, it is not uncommon that abuse of human rights is used as a weapon in areas of conflict. Thus, by promoting peace and pushing for peace negotiations, we are promoting human rights.”

-Bishop Broderick Pabillo Auxilliary Bishop of Manila Photo by Ciriaco Santiago III

“Calling our stand and work for justice and peace as the handiwork of the terrorist groups, these red- taggers vilify the good work done Christ’s name. Yet we will continue to be who we are and do what the Lord commands us to do. If we are called names because of those, if we are falsely charge because of our prophetic witness, then so be “Without dialogue, there can be ni peace. Peace it. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, has talks offer a dialogue situation towards a nonviolent said: “Blessed are ye when men shall resolution of armed conflict. Church leaders can revile thee, and say all manner of act as “honest brokers” and mediators by brining evil against you falsely for my sake. in stories on the ground, addressing the root Rejoice and be exceeding glad for causes of insurgency and engaging in local peace great is your reward in heaven.” conversations towards nation-wide peace talks.

- Bishop Reuel Norman O. Marigza - Bishop Antonio Ledesma NCCP General Secretary Co-convenor, PEPP

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