Papers, Newsletters, Reports & StatementsPCID Condemns Killing of Missionary; Appeals for Peace

The cause for peace in Muslim Mindanao suffered another casualty.

Fr Jesus Reynaldo A. Roda, of the congregation of Oblates of Mary Immaculate, was praying when armed gunmen stormed his convent. Fr. Roda, director of the Notre Dame of Tabawan and head of the mission station in Tawi-Tawi for the last ten years, was later killed “in an apparent kidnapping attempt.”

The Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) denounces this latest barbaric attack against those who dedicate their lives for peace. We commiserate with the OMIs in the Philippines as well as Fr. Roda’s family and friends.

His death is not just a loss to his family and religious order but to all peace loving people. His death demonstrates that peace is difficult and requires “the most heroic labor and the most difficult sacrifice.” Fr. Rey has made the supreme and heroic sacrifice.

We appeal to the authorities to exhaust all legal means to ensure that justice is served. We, however, strongly caution against exploiting this situation to justify undemocratic measures that will only further lead to a setback in the cause for peace. The last thing we want is to desecrate the sacrifice made by Fr. Rey and the others who gave their lives so that the people of Muslim Mindanao can finally enjoy a decent life they deserve.

We further appeal to the government, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and other stakeholders to revive the peace process.

We are saddened by the fact that Fr. Roda will never see the fruits of his arduous labor. But as all peacemakers know, we struggle not just for peace in our time but peace for all time.