THE CITY government, civil society, and non-government organizations gathered for an interfaith prayer rally for peace dedicated to the escalating Middle East conflict and other violence-related attacks worldwide at Gulf View Esplanade, Davao City Coastal on Nov. 9.
The prayer rally was led by various religious leaders in Davao City, such as Chairman Allen Mohammad Pasigan, the Darul Ifta Wadda’Wah-XI, Archbishop Romulo Valles from the Archdiocese of Davao, Tumanoron Boyson E. Anib Sr. of the Indigenous Political Structure Executive Council, and Senior Ptr. Noel Milloren from Metro Davao Pastors’ Fellowship.
Task Force Davao commander Darren Comia said in his speech that everyone would also pray for continuous peace in the city, as he had witnessed the sufferings and circumstances of those affected by the ongoing violence.
“Ang amin pong patuloy na panawagan ay ang pagkakaisa sa pamamagitan ng pagdadasal, para mas mapaigting pa ang ating pagsasama at sa patuloy na kapayapaan sa ating lungsod,” Comia said.
Part of the event was the symbolic release of the doves, representing a timeless and universal symbol of peace, graced by Vice Mayor Melchor Quitain Jr., Davao City Police Office director Col. Alberto Lupaz, Peace 911 Focal Person Atty. Jonah Presto, 16th Division Commander 10th Infantry Division Brigadier General Alan Demitio Hambala PA, and Love Philippines Christ the Healer Bishop Rodolfo Cubos.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte also emphasized in his speech that everyone has a role to play as he said, “If you do not have peace, you actually have nothing”.
“Tanan, kung kinsa man ka, welcome ka diri. Kung gusto nimo kaayuhan, gusto nimo mulambo imong kinabuhi, kitang tanan mga taga-Davao, magtinabangay ‘ta. Lumad, tribo, Kristiyano, Bisaya, Ilonggo, tanan ‘ta taga-Davao,” he added.
The prayer rally was also participated by different local bands and artists such as Ekklesia, Fresh Start Band, Jetz Tacsanan, and Kokoi Baldo.
Image courtesy of City Government of Davao FB page
