MANILA— For many Filipino-Americans familiar with the Mindanao Island in the
Philippines, it is a region stricken by a long history of religious conflict
between Catholics and Muslims that has claimed over 100,000 lives.
Recently
however, an international peace group with branches in United States, including
Oregon is creating a new era of peace in the area.
The peace movement, led by peace advocate Man Hee Lee, marks Lee’s third visit to the Philippines from South Korea at the request of Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma and other religious leaders and students.
On Jan. 23, Messenger of Peace Man Hee Lee met with Archbishop Ledesma and other bishops of Cagaya de Oro, who signed the Peace Agreement to work toward ending war and achieving world peace. On Jan. 24, despite high alerts of violence, Mr. Lee traveled to the Mindanao region where he was welcomed by hundreds of students. Messengers were sent to gather people before Mr. Lee’s arrival and a groundbreaking peace walk of students from the University of Mindanao, youth associations, mayors and religious leaders filled downtown General Santos.
The peace walk, held for the first time in the midst of high alerts of violence, transcended religions and nationalities and inspired the Filipino youth generation that peace is possible. Joining Mr. Lee was also Ms. Kim Nam Hee who is working with women leaders to also advocate peace.
Following the Mindanao peace walk, a forum to discuss a solution of peace brought together Fernando Capalla, former archbishop of Mindanao Davao and Esmael Mangudadatu, Governor of Maguindanao (an Islamic autonomous district in Mindanao). For the first time in 40 years, these representatives of Catholicism and Islam united to sign the peace agreement and pledged to work together with Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL. In addition, Capalla and Mangudadatu vowed before God, the people of the world, and the approximately 150 participants to work toward ending disputes between Catholics and Muslims.
Although a previous Peace Agreement meeting hosted by the Philippine government and the Islam autonomous region was signed in 2012, violent killings have since interrupted the call for peace. Now, through Mr. Lee’s efforts to meet with religious and city leaders, empowering youth and the united signing of the Peace Agreement, the Filipino government and its citizens were able to see a change in their nation from death to life. They expressed their gratitude to Mr. Lee by commemorating the memorable day with a peace festival in the city.
The work of Messenger of Peace Mr. Lee is becoming recognized throughout many nations as this visit to the Philippines marks his 8th World Tour. He has since traveled to over 58 countries to advocate the message of peace.
Read More: Click here
The peace movement, led by peace advocate Man Hee Lee, marks Lee’s third visit to the Philippines from South Korea at the request of Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma and other religious leaders and students.
On Jan. 23, Messenger of Peace Man Hee Lee met with Archbishop Ledesma and other bishops of Cagaya de Oro, who signed the Peace Agreement to work toward ending war and achieving world peace. On Jan. 24, despite high alerts of violence, Mr. Lee traveled to the Mindanao region where he was welcomed by hundreds of students. Messengers were sent to gather people before Mr. Lee’s arrival and a groundbreaking peace walk of students from the University of Mindanao, youth associations, mayors and religious leaders filled downtown General Santos.
The peace walk, held for the first time in the midst of high alerts of violence, transcended religions and nationalities and inspired the Filipino youth generation that peace is possible. Joining Mr. Lee was also Ms. Kim Nam Hee who is working with women leaders to also advocate peace.
Following the Mindanao peace walk, a forum to discuss a solution of peace brought together Fernando Capalla, former archbishop of Mindanao Davao and Esmael Mangudadatu, Governor of Maguindanao (an Islamic autonomous district in Mindanao). For the first time in 40 years, these representatives of Catholicism and Islam united to sign the peace agreement and pledged to work together with Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL. In addition, Capalla and Mangudadatu vowed before God, the people of the world, and the approximately 150 participants to work toward ending disputes between Catholics and Muslims.
Although a previous Peace Agreement meeting hosted by the Philippine government and the Islam autonomous region was signed in 2012, violent killings have since interrupted the call for peace. Now, through Mr. Lee’s efforts to meet with religious and city leaders, empowering youth and the united signing of the Peace Agreement, the Filipino government and its citizens were able to see a change in their nation from death to life. They expressed their gratitude to Mr. Lee by commemorating the memorable day with a peace festival in the city.
The work of Messenger of Peace Mr. Lee is becoming recognized throughout many nations as this visit to the Philippines marks his 8th World Tour. He has since traveled to over 58 countries to advocate the message of peace.
Read More: Click here
I think this kind of leader and activities are really necessary for the peace!!
ReplyDeletewonderful work! :)
ReplyDelete