The Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) devotes its work and advocacy for respect, dialogue, autonomy and good governance believing that these are the landmarks for unity and lasting peace in Southern Philippines.

We are deeply saddened when culture of narrowness, fanaticism and intolerance continues to characterize the few violent groups that terrorize our communities through their evil deeds of bombing, killing, and other criminal acts against our common humanity.

We condemn the bombing of Jolo Catholic Cathedral during the celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday, January 27, 2019, killing 20 civilians and soldiers and wounding about 100 regular churchgoers and soldiers.  No doubt, the perpetrators of this crime against humanity had laid a careful plan and execution of said plan to inflict massive deaths and destruction to innocent civilians and regular churchgoers while at prayer.

We call on the national leadership and the leadership of local communities - Civil, Religious and the Liberation Fronts Leadership - to immediately stamp the terrorists in our communities.

These few evildoers kill and destroy the unity and good relations between our two faith communities that have resolved our differences through respect, tolerance, and the LOVE of God and neighbors – the common bond that unites Muslims and Christians in our diversities and differences.

As we condemn these crimes against humanity, we also pray and continue to work for peace and security and good governance in our community by joining hands in rebuilding what these evil men wish to destroy.

“To every one of you We have appointed a right way and an open road. If God had willed, He would have made you one nation; but that He may try you in what has come to you. So be you forward in good works; unto God shall you return all together; and He will tell you of that whereon you were at variance.” (Sura 5: 48)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, they shall be called sons and daughters of God.” (Matthew 5: 9)