Isabela City remembers April 13 bombings; Inter-Faith lights candle for peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 20): Isabela City remembers April 13 bombings; Inter-Faith lights candle for peace

“Thank you for coming together for remembering those who have shared their blood just to tell us, ‘Look, peace is worth dying for’.”

This was the statement of Claret College of Isabela President Rev. Fr. Edgar G. Rivero in his message during the Inter-religious Candle-Lighting for Peace held at Isabela City Plaza last April 13.

The event was led by the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan together with the Basilan Supreme Ulama Council and United Evangelical Church, in remembrance of the 6th year anniversary of the bomb-blast which shattered the west-side of Sta. Isabel de Portugal Cathedral Parish, and killed a number of people during a crossfire between the security forces and the brigands in a simultaneous incident of terror-attack in Isabela City.

“It is very clear that they are relentless in sowing fear in every corner of the island province. We should not only match their being relentless but also we try to overcome what they are doing—of course not with arms but in solidarity with prayers,” Fr. Rivero said.

Moreover, Rivero stressed that unpeace is not something new not only here in Basilan, but history will tell,that lawless elements are advancing their cause not only locally but globally.

“Those who don’t want peace are inclined on advancing their cause. If we will be put in a situation like them, remember that we are not alone and the God that we believe in, regardless what we call Him, will be on our side because God is Peace and Peace is God,” Fr. Rivero emphasized.

The people can contribute “prayer and concern for each other in order to overcome the relentless effort of these people trying to put us in situation of fear,” Rivero added.

Meanwhile, Basilan Supreme Ulama Council Ustadz Abdulagaiz Abibon prayed, “Linisin mo [Allah] ang aming kalooban mula sa dungis at umiwas sa iyong ipinagbabawal lalung-lalo na sa aming mga kabataan na siyang pag-asa ng ating bayan na naghahangad ng kapayapaan.”

Despite, differences in beliefs, social standing and political affiliations, UECI Pastor Paulino said, “We can truly come together as member of one big family even we may come from different denominations”.

“Let us set aside our religion and instead focus in praying to Almighty to have mercy and give us peace here in Basilan,” said Most Rev. Martin S. Jumoad, DD as he invited the people to light a candle for peace..

The event was participated by parishioners, private and government agencies, non-government organizations, military personnel and religious leaders.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1421461124070/isabela-city-remembers-april-13-bombings-inter-faith-lights-candle-for-peace