EU, UN urged to probe church-run center

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. yesterday called on the European Union and the United Nations to investigate the church-run Haran Center in Davao City that is allegedly being used by communist rebels to solicit support from international donors.

“We are asking the EU and the UN to investigate what is really happening at the facility. By doing so, they would see what is happening on the ground and not be influenced by the propaganda of insurgents abroad,” Galvez said.

Galvez called on the international community to be objective and base their actions on credible sources such as the Philippine security sector, which has been closely monitoring developments inside the Haran Center run by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) on F. Selga St. in Davao City.

Early this year, the Regional Peace and Order Council of Region 11 (RPOC-11) approved a resolution seeking the immediate closure of Haran Center following reports that indigenous people (IPs) known as Lumads that took shelter in the compound were being exploited by the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army rebels.

The rebels were allegedly recruiting members from the Lumad group.

“We believe that the men and women of the EU and UN are composed of level-headed and upstanding individuals who are able to distinguish between pure propaganda and the truth,” Galvez said.

He also appealed to the management of Haran Center to release the Lumad families they have been keeping in the facility for years so that they can finally lead peaceful and productive lives.

“I’m calling on the UCCP, if you are really for God, please set free the families you are holding. God teaches us to love each other. The main reason we are here is to help others and not to harm them and exploit their vulnerabilities,” Galvez said.

“Let us remember what Albert Einstein said: peace cannot be achieved by force but by understanding,” Galvez added.

Galvez said this is the reason this year’s peace month celebration is focused on restoring peace, solidarity and mutual understanding in communities, and most of all, healing broken relationships that have been torn apart by the armed rebellion.

“I would like to urge our brothers and sisters who are still with the NPA to heed the call of the government and abandon armed struggle. There is a better and brighter future waiting for you. But you must take the first step, and that is, to walk the path of peace,” Galvez said.

Galvez said the Filipino people and the international community should no longer be swayed by the propaganda and lies being peddled by the communist insurgents against the government.