By: Aiman A. Yusoph
April 23, 2011 - The local government of Datu Piang in Maguindanao led by Mayor Hadji Samer K. Uy, in partnership with the Bangsamoro Civil Society, Muslim and Christian religious leaders, leaders of internally displaced persons (IDPs), BCJP-Tiyakap Kawagib, Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc. (KFI) has agreed during their recent meeting held at the field office of Non-Violent Peace Force to support the ongoing peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The alliance also called for the end to “Rido” or family or clan feuds in Maguindanao.
The Datu Piang Alliance for Peace has adopted the theme: “The People of Datu Piang support the peace process and call for unity and solidarity”.
They also organized the Walk for Peace on April 26, 2011, whose purpose is to show concern and support for peace in Mindanao in general and in Maguindanao in particular.
Organizers described the walk for peace as an expression of the desire of all residents of Datu Piang for a long lasting peace in Mindanao.
The parade will start at 8:00am and winds up to 11:00am. It will mill around the town and culminates at the town plaza where a short program will be held.
This was disclosed to the media by Abdulbasit “Bobby” Benito, convenor and in charge of mass media for this activity.
Edward Diestro, Information Officer of Local Government of Unit of Datu Piang said during the radio interview over DXMY last Saturday by BCJP Executive Director Benito that it is expected that people from all walks of life, including women, religious sectors both Muslim and Christian, youths, civil society organizations, non-government organization, international non-government organization with field offices in Datu Piang, peoples will join the parade.
Also expected to join are government employees of the town.
Mayor Uy appealed to all citizens to join the activity.
The organizers also invited Atty. Zen Malang, Executive Director, Mindanao Human Rights Action Center ((MinHRAC) and to make the opening statement.
The invitation was signed by Guaimel M. Alim of CBCS, Fr. Lino Razon, OMI, of St. Teresita Parish Priest, Ustadz Macmod Tuan of Datu Piang, Edward Diestro, and Abbdulbasit R. Benito, requesting him to make the opening remark.
Benedick John Paul Z. Carandang, ABC President of Datu Piang municipality, expressed his support and has urged all the barangay chairmen of Datu Piang to participate in the activity.
In a related development, the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), in collaboration with the Bangsamoro Civil Society, is also sponsoring a similar activity, dubbed as “Send-Off Caravan for Just Peace”, as a gesture of support to the MILF peace panel which is slated to leave on April 25 to attend the 21st GPH-MILF peace talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on April 27-28-, 2011.
The caravan will be on April 26, 2011, following this route: from Marhaban, Salimbao Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, towards Cotabato City, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Talayan, Shariff Aguak, Esperanza, Isulan, Tacurong, Pres. Quirino, Buluan, Datu Paglas, Bagontapay, Makilala, Kidapawan, Matalam, Kabacan, Datu Montawal, Pagalungan, Pikit, Aleosan, Midsayap, Libungan, Pigcawayan and return to place of origin.
The assembly time will be 6:00 AM and the caravan will start moving at exactly 7:00 AM.
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