KALILINTAD: A Call to Stand For Peace

The Ateneo de Davao University organized a silent walk for peace called KALILINTAD: A Call to Stand For Peace that was supported by other schools through Davao Association of Catholic Schools and various Non-Government Organizations last February 4.

The event started at 3:30PM with a rosary then followed by a silent walk from Ateneo de Davao University, Jacinto Campus passing through Roxas Avenue, Ponciano, Bolton, and ended at Rizal Park where the people gathered together. A program was then held with an interfaith prayer, followed by calls for peace from different speakers, and ended with a candle lighting activity by 6:00PM.

The event was organized for the ongoing call for peace in Mindanao. It aims to know the truth, seek for justice, and support peace. “We call everybody to stand for peace. We call everyone to search for the truth because out of truth, there shall be justice. And from justice, we believe that there would be peace,” said Atty. Romeo T. Cabarde Jr., Chairperson of the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council of Ateneo de Davao University.

The event was also done to commemorate the freedom fighters and all that died in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25, 2015. “We still want justice for the members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force certainly, but also to the Mamasapano combatants and civilians,” said Fr. Joel Tabora, Ateneo de Davao University president.

Peace advocates wish for the continuity of the peace process despite what happened in Mamasapano, Maguindanao which killed a total of 70 Filipinos: 44 from PNP-SAF, 19 from MILF-BIFF, and 7 civilians. “We mourn for the death not only of the 44 PNP-SAF but all of them because they are all Filipinos. May this incident not cause derail of the peace process despite what happened,” said Atty. Cabarde Jr.

Kalilintad is a Maguindanawon term for peace. “It is symbolic and strategic to use since the battle that happened in Maguindanao,” said Atty. Cabarde Jr. when asked why the word kalilintad was used.

The unity among people who want peace clearly sent out the message of a culture of dialogue. Many people from different religions have come together, walked, and prayed for peace. “Religion cannot be ignored. Let us stop using religion to create violence,” said Nor Asiah Adilao of Silsilah Foundation. (Ivy Comiso Marcos)