MARAWI CITY – Muslims in southern Philippines have sent a brass gong to Pope Francis, who is now on his last leg of a four-day visit in the largely Catholic country in Asia.
The gong, which is also called “agong,” was shipped all the way from Mindanao, in time for the Pontiff’s outdoor mass Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand near the Rizal Park in Manila.
Raisonel Datu Magangcong, president of the Alliance of Recruitment Agencies of the Philippines-OFW Foundation, who was the brainchild behind the “gift of hope to the Pope,” said the gong is a gesture of gratitude and high respect for the Pontiff and his undying love for Muslims and Christians, and tribal groups in the country.
He also praised Pope Francis for his concern and support to peace efforts in Mindanao.
“Muslims in southern Philippines sent the agong as their heartfelt expression of gratitude to the Pontiff’s s support for the ongoing peace process, which has reached the crucial stage of legislative deliberation,” Magangcong said.
Pope Francis, in his speech in Manila, said he trust that the government peace efforts in Mindanao will bring just solutions to all. “In a particular way, I express my trust that the progress made in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles and respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including the indigenous peoples and religious minorities,” the Pontiff said.
It was also the second time that the Pontiff cited the Philippines’ peace efforts. Prior to leaving the Vatican City for his trip to Sri Lanka, the Pontiff addressed the diplomatic corps and noted the peace agreement between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as among the examples of dialogues used to bridge differences. “I note with pleasure that last March an agreement was signed to end long years of tension in the Philippines,” Pope Francis said.
The MILF also praised the Pope and thanked him for his support to the peace process in Mindanao.“There is nothing we can ask for from the highest personality of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, except to thank him for blessing the Bangsamoro peace process between the Government of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.”
“Thank you Pope. We know how much value and influence your simple words work with people who follow and listen to you. Ordinary mortals can shout and shout to the world but only few people would listen to them, but that of a leader of 1.2 billion Catholics all over the globe including those in this country is unimaginable. The moral suasion penetrates the heart and soul of every Filipino Catholics; we are sure, including those in the highest echelon of government and the lawmakers,” the former rebel group said.
The MILF said it shared with the Aquino administration the expectation and prayers that the papal message serves as clarion call to all persons of goodwill.
Pope Francis arrived in the Philippines on January 15 from Sri Lanka and have visited Tacloban City and Palo town in the Visayas where Mindanao tribal leaders led by Dulphing Ogan, of the indigenous group called “Kalumaran,” conferred him the title Apô (Elder) Edsila during a traditional ritual.
Edsila literally means light or sunrise, or dawn of a new day, according to Ogan. He said Edsila – a term used by Higaonon and Talaandig tribes inhabiting the mountains around the Pulangi River in central Mindanao – signifies hope, newness, and change. (Mindanao Examiner)
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