RIYADH: More than 30 community organization, including the United OFW and the Integrated Mindanao Economic Forum (IMEF), organized a consultative gathering here recently dubbed “Mindanao: Island of peace loving people and the land of prosperity.” The forum, which called for peace and immediate cease-fire in Mindanao, was well attended. The OFW leaders expressed their deep concerns on the current situation in Mindanao.
The community leaders, including officials of the various umbrella organizations here, have strongly requested the government to stop the fighting in Mindanao.
IMEF Internal-Affairs Vice President Saleh Ampaso Bucay said the negative effect of the situation in Mindanao is felt especially on the economy. “We just implemented huge educational projects including scholarship, research and human development in the area, but are very worried that this will affect the ongoing projects,” Bucay said.
The president of the United Muslim Associations in Riyadh (UMA) Engineer Mohammad Elias Mua, who called for an immediate cease-fire, asked all peace-loving OFWs here to address the issue seriously to the Philippine authority. “We were hoping to witness economic development in Mindanao through investments especially in the Halal product industry. But we are saddened by this unwanted happening,” he said.
He also asked for the immediate stop to the rearming of civilian vigilantes on both sides to prevent escalation of hostilities; as well as the immediate disarming of the resurrected groups of Ilongo Land Grabbing Associations (ILAGA). He also urged both, the opposition and the administration, to agree on a common good for the final solution of the Mindanao problem.
Most of the participants expressed their worry about their families and properties in the affected areas and were alarmed at the fact that the settler-civilians vigilante group ILAGA is allegedly arming itself with the support of some powerful politicians.
The gathering was attended by leading organizations Union of Muslim Associations (UMA) Federation of Maranao Associations in Saudi (FEMAS), Basak Consultative and Development Council (BCDC) and various community associations such as ALNAO, AMSUDA International, APO — Ranao, ASPIA, Big Water Royal, Diwan International, Ewaton International, Imarantaon International, Maging International, MAIDA, Makadarian, Malabang International, Malumbay International Masiu, Moriatao Diwan International, Pongamponga Balo-i Brotherhood Association (PBBA), Poonan International, Ranao — Alphans, Ranao Tennis Club (RTC), Saguiran International Shakba International, Tamparan Islamic Development Association (TAIDA), Tarakanians, Unayan International, Union of Ulama for Education and Information, West Unayan International, Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN).
