THOUSANDS JOINED 6 KM "WALK FOR PEACE" IN SULU (July 04, 2009)

Local government agencies, civil society groups, students of different schools, officers and gentlemen of Philippine Marine Corp and Philippine National Police marched for peace amidst the turmoil of unresolved ICRC kidnapping and political strife occur in the province of Sulu.

With its banner “WALK FOR PEACE” or “Panaw Kahanungan”, more than 3000 attended the 6 kilometer parade to show support and dedication for the cause which started from the Jolo Airport and ended at the Rajah Baguinda Shrine on top of Bud (Mount) Datu, Municipality of Indanan.

Leading the parade is the head of Joint Task Force Comet Major General Juancho M. Sabban and Sulu Vice-Governor Lady Ann I. Sahidulla.

The activity coincides with the celebration of the Philippine American Friendship Day (July 04). An important day in the Philippines designated by President Diosdado Macapagal to commemorate the liberation of the country by joint Filipino and American forces from the Japanese occupation at the end of World War II.

The Philippines was a U.S. territory from 1898 to 1941, when it was occupied by Japanese forces, and again by Americans for a brief period after the war. The country gained complete independence on July 4, 1946.

“The endeavor is meant to show the commitment of the AFP for an equitable peace for the people of Sulu”, said MGen. Sabban. “Peace cannot be attained only by war, but by way of understanding and addressing the root cause of the problem”.

Vice Governor Sahidulla told this writer, “Just merely killing the enemy of the state doesn’t address the insurgency. We must concentrate within the core, and that is our people. Give them clean water, access to health centers, let our children go to school, and assist them through livelihood programs. This way, we will win the war against solitude. Hence, dealing with the battle ground for peace, justice and development.”

In commemoration of the Philippine-American Friendship Day, Sahidulla expressed her profound gratitude to the US government for the untiring support and assistance given to the people of Sulu.

The formal opening of the Rajah Baguinda Shrine was also launched in the program, a historical landmark located at Bud Datu. Sahidulla thanked the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6 headed by Col. Jimmy Larida for the effort in improving and protecting the shrine. “This encourages more tourists to visit Sulu and help promote the better image of the province”, She said.

Rajah Baguinda arrived Sulu in the 15th century from Menangkabaw, Sumatra, after stopping at Zamboanga and Basilan, had introduced Islamic political institutions and further consolidated Islamic consciousness in Sulu. Thus, this strengthened the eventual establishment of political system and the sovereignty of the Sultanate of Sulu.

MGen. Sabban reiterates that the Shrine is open to the public and assures the serenity and safety of the park. A number of cottages were built so that visitors can enjoy the place and the nature.

Also in the parade is Brig. General Eugenio Clemen of the 3rd Marine Brigade, Brig. General Celestino Pereyra of the 2nd Marine Brigade, and some U.S. Army personnel.

[ Home ]

 

Make new friends and keep up with old ones on Chat Room. Users can choose based on a category, location, or age group.

Send, receive, and organize email, a free web-based email service. Features a personal calendar and customizable contact groups.