This issue of Banug has a new look. Pictures and photos capture reality much more than words can. Photos provide us with images but we supply the perception and interpretation of reality in the photos.
The photos presented in this issue of the Banug revolve around a common theme: the illusive peace in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Given our limited human and financial resources to promote and usher in this illusive peace, we can only “Pray for peace.” “Work as if everything depends on us and pray as if everything depends on God.”
The root-problem of perennial violence and conflict in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi involves values and attitudes. Perhaps it even involves cultural and religious values. Therefore the ultimate solution is not palliative solution if military force, thought it might be necessary for a time being, but rather a change of mentality, values and attitude. Respect for the human person and working together for the common good are the call of the moment.
The Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation of the Vicariate of Jolo has been working to change attitude and values through the years but it seems we are hardly making a dent on century old set values and attitudes that are not open to change.
Military force is an immediate solution. Socio-economic development is the medium solution. But we need a long-range solution of TRANSFORMATION. This refers to the change of values and attitudes which is a long term- solution.
Thus, we can only pray for peace. Until values and attitudes are changed which seek the common good and not vested interest, until then we will always have recurrent and perennial problem of peace in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
To our Banug readers we ask you to PRAY FOR PEACE, pray for the change of heart, values and attitude for all of us in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
Sincerely yours,
Bp. Angelito R. Lampon,OMI,DD
Vicar Apostolic of Jolo
The Peace rally last Feb. 14, 2009 spearheaded by 47 NGOs with Government officials
Dr. Hannbal Bara speaking at the Prayer Rally for Peace for the release of ICRC kidnap victims last April 3, 2009.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH NO MORE TO KIDNAPPINGS! THE PEOPLE OF SULU CONDEMNSALL KIDNAPPINGS IN THE PROVINCE. WE WANT PEACE!!! WITHOUT PEACE, SULU WILL FOREVER REMAIN THE POOREST AMONG THE POOR PROVINCES IN THE COUNTRY. OUR PEACE RALLY DEMONSTRATES TO THE WORLD THAT WE TAUSUGS ARE ONE WITH OUR LOCAL LEADERS IN GIVING A PEACEFUL SOLUTION TO THE KIDNAPPING INCIDENT. (Dra. Lovely Isahac)
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