Wanted: Strong united front vs catastrophic war

We can’t speak of peace without talking about wars, particularly nuclear war in light of today’s fast-changing geopolitical developments and worldwide tensions. The media and the social network are updated and well aware of daily conflicts; people around the world are witnessing the growing militarization, positioning of forces and fortification of bases for eventual attacks based on offensive or defensive schemes.

We all know that war of any kind is destructive, deplorable and brings sadness to the people. More, wars mean acquisition, expansion, maintenance and control of people, territories and natural resources. For others, wars are good business and something profitable. But nuclear war can cause widespread havoc and catastrophic effects: massive death tolls, massive destruction and deformation of geological formations such as mountains, rivers, seas. Nuclear war will create new forms of illnesses and pests.

We must be glad that we can observe the coming of a new dawn when 129 UN member-states voted for the total ban on the use, production or proliferation of nuclear weapons/arms. Despite this, however, the superpowers are reluctant to sign on to or have expressly opposed such banning, justifying the necessity of nuclear weapons for their protection and survival.

We appreciate that the Philippines is one of the signatories and supporters of the UN-sponsored measure. I am looking forward to President Duterte’s administration showing full support and giving due attention to this historic milestone. With our independent foreign policy, I am hoping Mr. Duterte will not succumb to political pressures from any superpower, to get involved in the regional politico-military fracas, especially in the South China Sea.

Also, as part of a wider peace-building process, it is timely for President Duterte to continue and pursue the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front, with the MILF and MNLF, and other forces. We can unite the broad masses of our people toward peace, ready to counter the imminent danger of nuclear turbulence.

It is an imperative and urgent task on the part of all peace-loving people—Christians, Muslims, national minorities, and other people of different beliefs or ideological inclinations—to come forward and bind themselves into a strong, united front against all antipeople wars, especially nuclear ones. We must also steadfastly support and be one with all nations, antiwar movements and religious organizations that promote peace worldwide in opposing and defying all powers with evil intentions.

We are called and commanded by God to be good stewards and responsible managers to protect and preserve His creation. The world is now moving in a new direction: People and nations prepare for peace more than for war. We can still cure, save and resurrect our present sickly and troubled earth, liberate it and not to come to the point of desolation, dissolution or final extinction. Shalom!

REV. FR. ANTONIO Q. TAYCO, Iglesia Filipina Independiente