Rebuilding of Christian-Muslim bond advocated

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 5): Rebuilding of Christian-Muslim bond advocated

The Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) has taken steps to rebuild the strained relationship between Christians and Muslims brought about by the conflict involving government forces and rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga City last September.

Funded by the United Nations’ Development Programme, the PCID has recently organized a workshop among women peace advocates from Zamboanga City, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu to come up with action plans that will foster better relationship between Christians and Muslims in Zamboanga City.

PCID president Aminah Rasul said women peace advocates in Mindanao have become wary of the imminent “wall of animosity” involving Christian and Muslim residents in Zamboanga, which was caused by the siege launched by the more than 100 MNLF rebels loyal to Nur Misuari who tried to hoist their flag in front of Zamboanga City Hall.

More than 100 people, including MNLF rebels, government troops, and innocent civilians have been killed in the skirmishes that lasted for 21 days.

Rasul has urged all concerned stakeholders to help in the restoration of relationship among Zamboanga residents, which was strained by the recent conflict, and continue providing help to the plight of women and children who were adversely affected by the atrocities.

http://www.mb.com.ph/rebuilding-of-christian-muslim-bond-advocated/