SULU BANUG: BUC CARES TO ASSEMBLE IN JOLO

The Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) decided to hold their 35th General Assymbly in Jolo, Sulu because they care. They wanted to see for themselves the beautiful island famous for its sweet wild durian, tasty lanzones or buwahan, and delicious mangostin or mangguis. They wanted to savor to their satisfaction Sulu’s palatable seafoods: the red lapu-lapu, big lobsters and the well-known kuracha, etc. Above all, they wanted to dialogue with the Tausugs and the poor Samals and Badjaos and see how they could be of assistance to them as a Conference. They wanted to prove to themselves that Jolo is not as bad as publicized as a killing field and the land of kidnapping.

They arrived excitedly on November 19, 2008, on board the military’s huge C-130, headed by Bp Nanding Capalla of the Archdiocese of Davao, Bp Emeritus Hilario Gomez of the United Church of the Philippines (UCCP) and Dr Hamid Barra of the Ulama League of the Philippines. The Notre Dame of Jolo College was the main venue for the historical visit. There they were given a hearty welcome by Gov. Sakur Tan, Mayor Hussin Amin and Bp Lito Lampon. They were treated to a sumptuous welcome dinner while entertained with lively music and the graceful Pangalay dance.

The conference proceeded smoothly and fruitfully. Some historical background on Sulu and the Tausug people was given them by Fr. Jose ante, OMI., and Prof. Celina Unding of Mindanao State University. After the BUC adequately finished their planned Assembly agenda, they were guided to a short tour of Jolo’s beautiful Capitol ground, Camp Bud Datu with its panoramic view of Jolo and its surroundings, with Masjid Tulay majestic in the distance, and the historic Rajah Maginda shrine. It was just too bad that for lack of time because of the announced coming of President Aroyo, they were not able to visit Masjid Tulay, Jolo’s magnificent symbol of Islam Faith.

The BUC’s 35th Assembly in Jolo ended with a significant Joint Statement. The Bishops–Ulama call for the cessation of all hostilities to create a climate of peace where diverse voices can be confidently expressed and sincerely heard. A strong appeal to the national and local government was made to stop kidnapping, accompanied by an appeal to the relatives of kidnappers to let their kidnapper relatives feel the pains of innocent kidnapped victims and to go back to the normal way of life. There was also an appeal to healing professional and practitioners to devote more time to care for the victims of violence and kidnappings. The Bishops and Ulama expressed also their commitment to make the Mindanao Week of Peace more meaningful and relevant to Southern Philippines, to promote interfaith dialogues and activities and not to be neglected, to be in solidarity with the common people in their economic and social concerns and in their call on government leaders to improve basic services. The Statement ended calling for God’s/ Allah’s blessings on the people and their endeavors.

The coming of some big PNP, military and political personalities from the National Government on the last day did add some significance to the BUC’s 35th Assembly in Jolo. GMA was not able to make it. Except for the pouring rain that drenched many of the bishops and ulama at the airport before they boarded the plane for home, the BUC in Jolo was a pleasant and meaningful experience.

As a post script, however, it must be mentioned that perhaps unknown to many, there was a group that was unhappy about the BUC coming to Jolo. They staged a rally with negative posters and slogans in protest. They were mistakenly thinking that BUC in Jolo would militate against the Islam Faith, unaware that in reality it would and in fact, enhanced it. The Bishops and Ulama went home with patient understanding of those who refuse and do not understand and with greater and deeper appreciation of those who are open and stand strong revealing the inner beauty and depth of Islam
“…And when they incline to peace, incline to, to It and rely upon
Allah; indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knower.” (Al Qu’ran, 8:61)
### Fr. Romeo P. Villanueva, OMI. ###