Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform

CIVIL society groups converged in Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday and expressed their support to the resumption of peace talks between the government and the rebels in Oslo, Norway.

"We are seeking to unite the voice of Mindanao," said Bishop Melzar Labuntog of the Ecumenical Bishops Forum (EBF), adding that church leaders all over Mindanao, as well as their parishioners welcome the resumption of peace talks last February 15 to 21 this year "with enthusiasm and great interest."

The gathering was organized by the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), which is co-chaired by Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, and Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes of the National Council of Churches of the Philippines. ... More

After a long period of suspension, we urge both panels to recognize the high expectations of our people to see them sitting in the negotiating table and attaining new agreements that can have immediate as well as long-term benefits for the people’s welfare.

We believe that the mandate received by Your Excellency in the May 2010 elections, and the high popularity ratings you enjoy at the moment, are a manifestation of the people’s desire and expectation for an administration that departs from militarism to one that is committed to a just and lasting peace. Our people expect highly of Your Excellency to show genuine benevolence and to reach out to the NDFP in the interest of peace for our people and nation. ... More

(Mark S. Ventura, CBCP News) DAVAO CITY, Sept. 13, 2009–The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), a network of church aggrupations that promote the peace process as a way of addressing issues of conflict, reforms and social justice will hold a forum on peace talks on September 19. ... More