Muslims and Lumads for peace: Lakbayan 2017 to arrive in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City has been chosen as the gathering area for more than 500 Muslims and indigenous peoples from Mindanao to commence their second caravan dubbed Lakbayan 2017 next week before they head to Manila as they continue to bring out their call for just and lasting peace.

Supported by Cebu-based cause-oriented groups, “Sandugo,” a nationwide alliance of Moro and Indigenous Peoples, intends to manifest their condemnation of the intensified attacks and militarization in their homeland, among other concerns.

Jaime Paglinawan, chairperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)-Central Visayas, said these minority groups are set to drop by Cebu from August 22 to 24 to hold a series of activities.

The groups will continue their journey to Metro Manila on the 25th.

Paglinawan said the purpose of the three-day event is to make the people understand the real situation in Mindanao from the affected people themselves, especially with the extension of Martial Law.

“Mahatagan ta’ng mga Sugbuanon sa ilang tinud-anay nga kahimtang sa ilang lugar mismo ug atong masabtan kon unsay hinungdan sa ilang pakigbisog,” he said in a press conference in Cebu City yesterday.

With the approval of the Cebu City government, he said the delegation from Mindanao will encamp inside the Fuente Osmeña Circle and will be provided supported by the different sectoral groups from Central Visayas including BAYAN.

John Ruiz, the regional coordinator of Bayan Muna-Central Visayas, presented yesterday to the media the series of activities set for their arrival.

He said the delegation is scheduled to pay a courtesy call to local officials like Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III while they are also planning to visit religious leaders to seek their support.

One of the highlights of their visit is their huge mobilization on August 24 wherein they will march from Fuente Osmeña to the Central Command headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

After the morning activity, they will also stage a separate protest rally in the afternoon from Fuente Osmeña Circle to Gaisano Metro along Colon Street.

School forums, a cultural-solidarity night, film showing and art jam, are also included in the activities lined up.

The organizers had been coordinating with the Cebu City government to ensure security and order and to facilitate sanitary concerns. (FREEMAN)