THE Diocese of Marbel, through its spokesman Fr. Leo
Acierto, strongly criticized President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's declaration of
an all-out war against the communist rebel movement.
"We are pro-life. We are always against any form of violence especially if
it involves lives," said Fr. Acierto.
The priest said the stand of the church is no different from their calls when
former President Joseph Estrada declared all-out war against the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front two years ago.
Acierto said the church remains hopeful that the statement given by the
president, which was reciprocated by NPA rebel with renewed attacks, will be
settled in the negotiating table.
"We are still hoping and praying nga unta ang gobyerno ug rebeldeng grupo
and molingkod sa lamesa aron mag-dialogue (that the government and rebel groups
will sit down and hold dialogues)," Acierto said.
The church, according to Acierto, believes that dialogue is still the best
solution to the strife affecting the two opposing parties.
"Sa bisan unsang wala pagsinabtanay, basta duna pay dialogue, dunay
paglaum. Apan kung magpataas lang 'ta sa atong garbo usahay dili na kana
maka-Kristiano (In whatever conflict, for as long as there is dialogue, there
is hope. But, if we allow pride to prevail, sometimes its is no longer
Christian)," said Acierto.
Acierto added that civilians would only suffer as a result of the intransigence
of both camps.
"Ang maproblema sa all-out-war declaration sa kanunay dili man ang
taga-gobyerno o ang mga rebeldeng grupo. Kon dili ang mga katawhan, labi na ang
mga bata, kababayen-an, tigulang ug mga yanong sibilyan nga maoy labaw'ng
makaluluoy (The problem with all out war is neither the government nor to the
rebel groups. It is the people, especially children, women, old ones and the
civilians who will suffer)," Acierto added. (Merlyn F. Velarde)