Lala, Lanao del Norte – Religious leaders from different faiths convened to discuss peace building initiatives to strengthen Muslim-Christian relationship in the province. The leaders are members of the Interfaith Council whose primary aim is to develop better understanding of the two major religions to promote unity and peace between its followers.


The council is composed of bishops, pastors, priests, nuns, imams, provincial government leaders and non-government organizations.


The meeting was held at the private compound of Vice-Governor Irma Umpa-Ali who has been a staunch peace advocate even before entering public service.


Pakigdait, Inc. an interfaith grassroot peacebuilder organization spearheaded the activity led by Ustadz Musa Sanguila.


The meeting provided the religious leaders the venue to share their insights on how best to resolve the conflicts between the different faiths.


“If the religious leaders start to talk with one another, the followers will soon follow. Everything will start from the leaders”, Sanguila explained.


Another peace building activity initiated by the council is the church-masjid visitation. Through this activity people from different faiths are invited to go inside the Christian church or Muslim mosque to learn more and appreciate the different ways people worship God.


“I really want to live in peace with my fellowmen. It’s time people realize that there are no winners in war only victims”, stressed former-DPWH Regional Director Osop Ali.


Also discussed by the council are the proposed activities to be conducted during the Lanao del Norte Month of Peace on March and the possible visit of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to highlight the peace month celebration.


Already confirming her attendance to the March event is OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles.


“The main purpose of this interfaith council is for us to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao”, Council Chairman Bishop Stephen Villaester concluded. VNL/PIO-LDN