In the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
“CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE DECLARATION OF CEASEFIRE AND PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF THE ZAMBOANGA SIEGE AND THE SIGNING OF A COMPREHENSIVE AND JUST AGREEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES WITH BANGSAMORO PEOPLE”
Inspired by its peace theme: “Learning While Sowing the Seeds of Peace”, the Master of Arts in Peace and Development Studies (MPDS) Family of the MSU-Maguindanao Graduate School is committed and sharing parallel views that peaceful means are the most civilized, just, and win-win methodologies for any conflict settlement.
Submitting, that violence is unacceptable and contrary to any civilized standards and as well as to the letter and spirit of a genuine democratic society. In fact, peace and non-violence are inherent in the beliefs and practices of major faiths throughout the world.
Agreeing, that peace is not only the absence of violence, it is rather the absence of the condition that leads to violence. Subscribing, that a true culture of peace is based on principles that promote trust, harmony, justice and healthy human relationships. By finding common ground and working together, we can all win.
With dialogue and creative problem solving – and with a moral conviction to avoid the suffering caused by violence – we can address the toughest issues of our individual and collective lives.
Acknowledging, that the impact and implication of the Zamboanga Crisis is taxing great anxieties, damages, and setbacks to Mindanao peace process and especially to the directly affected stakeholders. In fact, the initial feedback is devastating.
With this, and consistent with its commitment and advocacy for peace and non-violence, the MPDS Family of MSU-Maguindanao Graduate School would like to manifest its thoughts vis-à-vis the current crisis in Zamboanga City in particular, and the search for Mindanao Peace in general, that:
• “It is not you against me; it is you and me against the problem. Work on active listening, not passive hearing. Choose a place to resolve conflict, not the battleground itself. Start with what is doable. Develop forgiveness skills. Purify our hearts.” – Datu Nurdin H. Sinsuat
• “The GPH and MNLF have to talk on their stand.” – Samy Ali
• “Let the MNLF and GPH settle the conflict in a peaceful and meaningful dialogue.” – Rodjipay A. Mangulamas
• “STOP VIOLENCE IN ZAMBOANGA AND BASILAN! YES TO POLITICAL SETTLEMENT! NO TO MILITARY ATTACK. Find the BATNA or Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement.” – Dr. Susan S. Anayatin
• “Stop the war. This is not the battle between Muslims and Christians. The loss of one life is equivalent to the entire humanity.” – Sarah Jane A. Deocampo, MPDS-Class President 2013
• “Consistent observance of the rules of engagement and respect to the sanctity of every rights shall be treated with utmost diligence and guaranteed observance.” – Datu Habib Sarifuddin S. Maulana
• “Please let’s convey peace in Mindanao. War is not an option, but a desolation that surrounds.” – Mylene Casuse
• “GPH & MNLF: Let’s find a more humane and peaceful way of settling the problem. I’m sure violence and war can’t solve it.” – Cheryl G. Biare
• “Let’s Stop war…let’s start sowing peace in Mindanao.” – Asora E.Lidasan
• “All actors in the pursuit of PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT must be GENUINE in their intention of doing so without sacrificing the lives of innocent civilians and ensuring a harmonious relationship between and among the tri-people of Mindanao.” – Dr. Margie D. Fiesta-IPDM Office
• “Ceasefire! For an event of war, it displaced and destroyed many lives. We lose. For an event of peace, it promotes social justice and interconnectedness of all life. We win.” – Lo Ivan Castillon
Therefore, we are “Calling for the Immediate Declaration of Ceasefire and Peaceful Resolution of the Zamboanga Siege and the Signing of a Comprehensive and Just Agreement of the Government of the Philippines with the Bangsamoro People.”
Agreed and issued by the MPDS Students and Faculty of MSU-Maguindanao Graduate School: Sarah Jane A. Deocampo, Mylene Casuse, Azora E. Lidasan, Cheryl G. Biare, Datu Nurdin H. Sinsuat, Rodjipay A. Mangulamas, Basit L. Kasim, Datu Habib Sarifuddin S. Maulana, Rasul A. Kulat, Mamatanto P. Madidis, Sammy T. Ali, Lo Ivan Castillon. Omarshariff A. Salik, Dr. Susan S. Anayatin, Dr. Margie D. Fiesta, Dr. Badruddin Abdul.
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