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The Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), one of the pioneer missionaries in Mindanao, issued the message of support to the ongoing peace negotiations after they concluded their three-day provincial assembly held here last week.
They also urged communities and other institutions in the embattled region “to seek ways to complement the peace process by building genuine relationship of mutual dialogue and shared aims.”
“We saw a glimmer of hope in the evolving program and expanding constituency for peace and dialogue among our grassroots communities and institutions in solidarity with many others who share the same dream,” said OMI provincial superior Fr. Ramon Ma. Bernabe and Fr. Roberto Layson, chair, committee on Muslim-Christian Relations and Interfaith Dialogue of OMI Philippines.
The recently-concluded Oblates’ provincial assembly was centered on the discussions on peace and dialogue.
“While we are hit and overwhelmed by the turn of events in recent years, we, Oblates, reiterated the fundamental approach to be with the people, to continue the work for peace and development,” said Fr. Rogelio ‘King’ Tabuada, OMI.
Tabuada’s message was published in the OMI Philippines’ newsletter last October.
The government and MILF peace panels have yet to break the impasse in the talks over territory. The government is set to give its new proposal on territory on or before October 15. This is the third extension as the government peace panel failed to meet its September 30 and October 30 deadlines.
