MINDANAO CATHOLIC BISHOPS ASK GOVT. TO SAVE TAUSOGS TRAPPED IN SABAH

In a heartwarming display of unity between the Christians and Muslims in Mindanao, 15 Catholic Bishops and Archbishops have called on the Philippine government to immediately do something to save the Tausogs and other Filipinos affected by the conflict in Sabah.

In a news report filed by my friend and former colleague Edith Regalado with the Philippine Star newspaper, she reported:

“Catholic bishops based in Mindanao said even if the government is against the means used by the Sulu sultanate in pressing proprietary claims over Sabah, the government must act now to prevent more deaths.

“More than merely telling Filipinos to get out of Sabah, government leaders should do more for the sake of life and peace,” they said in their appeal.

The appeal was signed by Bishops Guillermo Afable (Digos), Colin Bagaforo (Cotabato), Antonieto Cabajog (Surigao), Jose Cabantan (Malaybalay), Edwin de la Peña (Marawi), Elenito Galido (Iligan), Dinualdo Gutierrez (Marbel), Martin Jumoad (Isabela), Angelito Lampon, OMI (Jolo), Julius Tonel (Ipil), George Rimando (Davao), Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ (Cagayan de Oro), Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, OMI (Cotabato), Archbishop Romulo Valles (Davao) and Msgr. Cris Manongas (Zamboanga).

The prelates said they are counting on government leaders from both sides to “demonstrate wisdom and statesmanship in preventing further bloodshed and resolving the basic issues that resulted in tragedy.”

“We pray for all the casualties, both Filipino and Malaysian, in the conflict. We pray for their grieving families,” the bishops said as they urged Aquino to support the appeal of the United Nations for an immediate end to the violence.”

The Catholic religious leaders’ call came following reports of atrocities allegedly committed on innocent Filipino settlers in North Borneo by Malaysian security forces, who are scouring areas in Sabah for the remnants of the Sulu Sultan’s Royal Army.

As a Mindanaoan and former President of the Mindanao Mayors and Governors’ League, I join the call of our Catholic leaders on the national government to ensure the safety of the innocent Filipinos in Sabah.

Government must set aside first the investigation on the so-called conspiracy between the Sultan of Sulu and several political personalities. That could come later.

The call of the hour is to save and protect the Filipinios caught in the crossfire between the Malaysian forces and the Sultan’s Royal Army.

(Photo credit: Photos downloaded from the Philippine Star website shows Malaysian forces and Tausog women and children.)