ASIA/PHILIPPINES - The Church says “No” to armed children in the South's conflict

Basilan (Agenzia Fides) – Children and young men taking up arms is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. This is what the Catholic Church in South Philippines has said in observing the intensification of the social conflict on Mindanao and the neighboring islands of Jolo, Basilan, and Sulu.
The alert was launched by Bishop Martin Jumoad of the Prelature of Isabela, on Basilan Island, who witnesses to having seen 12-year-old boys with guns to defend themselves from the gangs in the area.
“The intensification of the conflict on Mindanao,” the worried Bishop said, “has led school-age children from the age of 6 to start carrying weapons. It is a significant danger for the entire society.” Bishop Jumoad noted that the phenomenon begins to spread among Christian and Muslim youth, in the families of both communities.
The religious leaders in the area have condemned the phenomenon and asked the families not to encourage their children to participate in violence. Bishop Jumoad sent out a message to parents, asking them to persevere in raising their children in reconciliation and peace: “Children must come to understand the immense gift and value of each human life. No one has the power to take a life, except God Himself. We cannot teach them to kill others. This would lead to a catastrophe.”
Bishop Jumoad also called for the security forces and civil leaders to make a greater effort in protecting the defenseless civilians.
The conflict in South Philippines once again led to violence in August 2008, when the peace process, which has proceeded with great difficulties on the part of both the government and separatist Islamic groups, failed.
Fighting between the national army and guerrillas has become more frequent, causing suffering and a large number of civilian refugees. According to observers, the hostilities have also extended among civilians, with the reappearance of Christian and Muslim paramilitary groups, who run the risk of worsening the situation with their strong ideological tendencies. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 23/01/2009)