WE in the Sowing the Seeds of Peace in Mindanao call on both the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to unilaterally focus on fighting the Corona Virus pandemic if a formal and written ceasefire or truce agreement is not realizable at this time.
The Filipino people are already suffering from the health and economic impact of this disease. “Social distancing” of both the AFP and the NPA in the battlefield would be a much welcome respite from the anxieties and debilitating health effects of the viral outbreak.
As the middle and upper classes may have the capacities for sustained home isolation, it is the majority poor, the daily-wage earners, and the unemployed who are being hit hard in their densely populated communities.
It is therefore extremely important for the GRP to shift its resources from war and rechannel them to the people’s health and sustenance. Now, more than ever, the monetary equivalence of a magazine of an M-16 rifle used to fight against fellow Filipinos can be used for critical protection equipment for frontline health personnel and emergency cash subsidies to each fellow Filipino.
On the other hand, the NPA is expected by the people to halt tactical offensives and help address this health crisis through its primary health care capacities especially in rural communities.
The need for a united front to confront this global epidemic that is attacking our Third World nation stresses further the urgency and importance of signing the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (Caser), the provisions of which can serve as the foundation for a healthy people and health economy. – Bishop Felixberto Calang, main convenor, Sowing the Seeds of Peace in Mindanao
