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Christian church network declares support to Bangsamoro
PCEC Anniversary (Facebook photo)
MANILA — The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) in a forum held yesterday in Quezon City reiterated its support for the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in its current form and called on Congress for its immediate passage.
“It is our desire that peace, justice, and righteousness will reign not only in Mindanao but across the country and the world,” announced PCEC National Director Designate Bishop Noel Pantoja. He added that their network has been praying for the success of the Bangsamoro peace process.
The PCEC is a network of denominations, churches, mission groups, and para-church organizations nationwide established in 1964. It is currently composed of more or less thirty-two thousand ecclesiastical groups and is known to support progressive measures such as the reproductive health law and the freedom of information bill.
Pantoja shared that they believe some sectors in society used the Mamasapano incident last January 25 to forward their personal politics and agenda. “We reject all irresponsible conjectures that use Mamasapano to forward their selfish agendas. We call for justice and support all investigations. We also support the all-out peace movement being put forward.”
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Negotiating Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal, who were present at the event, echoed the message of Pantoja.
“If we are unable to mend the fault lines among our people, then our way toward the future will be most definitely difficult. We may have different religions but only one God. I hope all faiths and their leaders can help guide us all to become one people,” beseeched Deles. Iqbal added the “the MILF assures all, in sha Allah, that no one in the Bangsamoro will be discriminated against based on religion.”
Pantoja also pledged that the PCEC will continue its support and active participation in the peace process
