DAGUPAN City, Pangasinan, Jan. 27, 2015—The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) decries the “act of violence against human life” which led to the death of at least 43 policemen in a “misencounter” with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao (BIFF) Sunday, Jan. 25, in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, but remains firm in its support of the peace talks .
“While the CBCP vehemently condemns this act of violence against human life no matter what the avowed purpose of such violence may be, we cannot side with those who call for the discontinuance of peace talks,” CBCP President Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan shares in a statement.
Urgency of peace solutions
“If anything,” the prelate explains, “the sad incident underscores the necessity and the urgency of arriving at a solution that is not rushed but that is inclusive, principled and just to all.”
“With profound sorrow but with faith in the Resurrection, the CBCP mourns with the families of the gallant policemen, victims of an utterly senseless act of violence in Mindanao, already weary from battle and conflict,” Villegas stresses.
The prelate calls on the faithful to let the grieving families “find comfort in the Lord’s promise that none who have been given to Him will be lost.”
The fatalities belonged to the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s elite Special Action Force (SAF), and were after suspected Malaysian bombmaker and Jemaah Islamiyah member Zulkifli Bin Hir, also known as “Marwan.”
According to a GMA News report, the United States (US) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has offered a $5-million reward for information that will lead to Marwan’s arrest.
PNP-Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao director Senior Superintendent Noel Armilla stated the police managed to arrest Marwan.
Flag at half-mast
Meanwhile, the PNP hoisted the Philippine flag at half-mast on Monday at its National Headquarters in Camp Crame as a sign of mourning over the loss of brothers in uniform, the PNP Public Information Office (PIO) reports.
“I extend my deepest sympathy to the orphaned families of our fallen policemen. They died a meaningful death on the side of justice and righteousness. They did not die in vain,” said PNP Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Director General Leonardo A Espina in a PNP PIO report.
Despite the momentary setback of law enforcement operations against lawless elements in Mindanao, Espina expressed confidence that “justice and peace will prevail.” (Raymond A. Sebastián/CBCP News)