We will continue to work for justice, peace

Weeks after the tragic conflict at Mamasapano, we, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in the Philippines, feel the need to speak our minds and hearts, not only as citizens but also as missionaries in Mindanao. We do this even as we continue to pray that the God of mercy and compassion comfort all those who lost their loved ones, calm the agitation to seek violent retribution, and help all to discern His loving will in the aftermath.

Since official investigations have begun, we are for pursuing them to their rightful end—the truth that leads to justice, on which true peace builds upon. In the meantime, we must suspend judgment, and pray for the enlightenment and courage of those entrusted with the task and responsibility of searching for the truth behind this tragedy.

Amid the voices of discord, we do not support extraconstitutional means of changing the government of the day, nor of taking advantage of this crisis for political grandstanding or posturing. We do call on the government, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and those with direct knowledge of events, to be more forthcoming with regard to this whole incident.

We are extremely saddened that, without taking away any value from the lives lost in the conflict, the bigger victim is the peace process, for which we have humbly prayed and contributed our little efforts, believing that it is a step worth taking towards justice and peace. The restoration of trust must be taken up anew or rebuilt, not just between the personalities involved in the formal processes, but more critically, between the people on the ground, between communities of diverse cultures, faiths and political persuasions.

Our Lord Jesus Christ has manifested to us a God of compassion—a God whose mercy encompasses all humanity and creation. Our faith teaches us to pray and strive for communion, reconciliation and solidarity among all peoples, based on a life of justice and love. We will keep faith. We will continue to work for justice and peace. We will resist the temptation to violence. We will pray fervently but humbly.

—FR. LAURO D. DE GUIA, OMI, provincial superior, Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Philippine Province