IAG under its ProPolitiCS for Peace project is engaging Lanao del Sur political leaders led by Gov. Adiong in improving political climate for peace.

Delivered at the Lanao del Sur Peace Summit 2015, Aug. 18, Cagayan de Oro City

Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuho!

National officials, our friends from the diplomatic corps of the Australian Embassy, Sir Richard Rodgers, Father Eliseo “Jun” Mercado, the Institute for Autonomy and Governance led by Atty. Benedicto Bacani, distinguished guests, local officials who are joining us today, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, our mayors from Lanao del Sur, members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council, Col. Roseller Murillo, PNP Provincial Director, Agustin Juan Tello, DILG Prov. Director Macmillan Lucman, DOJ Prov. Prosecutor Basari Mapupuno, representatives of the Commission on Human Rights, representative of civil society organizations, members of the provincial Ulama, the Royal Sultanate, MILF brothers, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

I have received a notice from the Independent Decommissioning Body citing that the Provincial Capitol may possibly be the assembly and processing area for the decommissioning process of the MILF-BIAF combatants and weapons scheduled soon. This is a one-step-ahead action of our brothers favourable to the immediate passing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law being among the considered components.

We are joined by representatives from different government agencies, because we all have a responsibility to ensure the security, the prosperity and the human rights of our citizens. And we’re joined by leaders of civil society, including Ulama leaders, because civil society – reflecting the views and the voices of citizens –is vital to the success of any endeavor. We are here today because we are united against the scourge of criminal activities and extremism. We welcome the assistance provided by the Australian Aid and the Institute for Autonomy and Governance in hosting this summit, because the call of the times needs us to focus on security issues affecting not just Iligan City, or Cagayan de Oro, but Marawi City including areas  of Lanao del Norte and on how we can empower our communities to protect their families and friends and neighbors from these threats.

Second, we have to confront the warped ideologies espoused by some groups, especially their attempt to use Islam to justify their violence. And that hurts all of us, including Islam, and especially Muslims, who are the ones most likely to be their targets nowadays. All of us regardless of our faith, have a responsibility to reject it.

I’d like to call this meeting to order by speaking very directly to a painful truth that’s part of the challenge that brings us here today. Drug abuse has become a rampant social problem in Marawi City where schoolgirls and young women are susceptible to harassment. And we have not mentioned yet how endangered our lives are every day, because of the threats of carnapping, kidnapping, thievery, among many other crimes. We can’t allow cycle of fear and violence to tear at the fabric of our communities.

Let us break this cycle by helping each other. Thank you.