by Alexander rosette

THE ASSALAM Bangsamoro People’s Association, Office of the Muslim Affairs (OMA), Center for Moderate Muslims (CMM), Young Moro Professional Network (YMPN), Insan Islamic Assembly (IIA), on Sunday, March 29, 2009, will gather all Filipinos to offer prayers for the safe, immediate and unconditional release of the abducted ICRC workers in Plaza Miranda, Quiapo Manila at 4 p.m.


The grand interfaith rally will be participated by different Muslim groups, institutions, civil society groups and faith-based organizations who will unite in prayer for the freedom of the abducted ICRC workers.

“All faiths, organizations and Filipinos from different walks of life will gather this Sunday at Plaza Miranda to address our call to our Muslim brothers in Mindanao to let these ICRC workers be freed immediately without any conditions,” said Penny Disimban, President of Assalam Bangsamoro People’s Association.

This Grand Interfaith Rally is a follow-up of the Simultanenous Prayer Rally of Filipino Muslims and Christians last March 27, 2009, in three major Mosques in Manila namely Golden Mosque (Quiapo, Manila), Salam Mosque (Tandang Sora, Quezon City) and Blue Mosque (Brgy. Maharlika in Taguig City) during their Friday noon prayer.

Meanwhile Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) responded positively to the efforts of the Muslim groups and assured to mobilize the whole PNRC community.

"We are supporting these Muslim groups on their efforts in bringing the call to action on a higher level by enjoining all concerned groups, institutions, organizations and faiths to gather and be one with us as we continue to call for peace and for the safe and immediate release of the innocent Red Cross workers,” said PNRC Chairman Senator Richard Gordon.

PNRC Southern Luzon, National Capital Region (NCR) and Central Luzon will participate in the prayer rally while other chapters are enjoined to conduct similar activities in their own area to show unity and solidarity among Red Cross staff and volunteers.

Among the chapters mobilized by the PNRC are Caloocan City, Las Piñas, Manila, Malabon City, Palawan, Pasay City, Quezon City, Rizal, Valenzuela, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Mindoro Oriental, Occidental Mindoro, Quezon-Lucena, Romblon, San Pablo, Olongapo, Pampanga-Angeles City, Bataan, Tarlac and Zambales Chapters.

Aside from the Muslim groups and PNRC chapters, organizations such as Ayala Young Leaders Alliance, Asia America Initiative (AAI), Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court (PCICC), PR Global Team, Harvard Project for Asia and International Relations, Anak
Mindanao Party List, Aksyon ng Mamamayang Nagkakaisa, U.P. Manila Student Council, Manila Islamic Center, Medical Students for Social Responsibility and Youth Assembly of the Archdiocese of Manila will also participate and offer their prayers.

Representatives from Muslim and Christian communities will offer their prayers during the interfaith rally.

“Many lives have been sacrificed, the blood of several innocent civilians and soldiers have been shed, and yet our call for the freedom of Notter, Vagni and Lacaba has fallen on deaf ears. We will not stop to pray until such tie that the captors will release the Red
Cross workers,” Gordon added.

The abduction of Andreas Notter, Eugenio Vagni and Mary Jean Lacaba will enter its 73rd day today.