MANILA – A stellar cast of Filipino musicians, such as Peace Ambassadors Apl.de.ap, Noel Cabangon, Ebe Dancel and Gloc-9, will offer songs of hope and peace this Saturday as they join the rest of the nation in calling for a peaceful resolution of the internal conflict in Zamboanga and other affected areas in the country.
The artists are set to hold a vigil with performances from 5:30 p.m. until 12 midnight at the Liwasang Aurora, Quezon City Memorial Circle. However, there will be songs and performances from as early as 3 p.m. Among those joining the peace ambassadors at this event are Joey Ayala, Lolita Carbon, Bayang Barrios, Slapshock, Brownman Revival, Jim Paredes, and many more.
“This is to show our support to our fellow Filipinos whose lives have been disrupted by the ongoing armed conflicts, especially in Zamboanga City,” said Noel Cabangon, one of the concert organizers.
Since Sept. 9, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) forces under Nur Misuari have staged attacks in Zamboanga, killing more than 80 people, wounding more than 160, and displacing more than 80,000. Misuari, who recently declared independence from Mindanao, accused the government of terminating the 1996 Final Peace Agreement it has signed, and as act of defiance, urged his troops to attack the city.
“We recognize that we have a responsibility to help create positive changes one way or the other. And for us artists, our music is our instrument,” said Cabangon who expressed hopes that the incident in Zamboanga will be resolved soon.
The concert will be part of the event dubbed “A Nation Praying for Peace.” Spearheaded by civil society organizations Urban Poor Associates, Women Engaged in Action, Community of Sant’Egidio, this vigil aims to gather various sectors – ranging from the entertainment industry to the government – to call for an end to violence and its peaceful resolution.
It will be held in celebration of the International Day of Peace that is observed annually in different parts of the world.
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