The Commission on Social Action of the Diocese of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, yesterday joined the call for peace in Negros Occidental through the “sacrament of reconciliation”, on Sept. 21 in line with the Peace Consciousness Month celebration.

The highlight of the celebration, that will be held at the Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City, includes a Light-a-Candle and Pledge of Peace. It is also the day Martial Law was declared four decades ago.

Fr. Eryl Agus, Social Action director of the Kabankalan Diocese, said in a homily, copies of which are distributed to all Catholic churches in southern Negros, that the call for reconciliation includes the admission of sins through confession, contrition, rectification, restitution and renewal.

Agus stressed the need to hold a meeting and discussions on the roots of the conflict, in order to formulate initiatives for the attainment of peace in Negros Occidental.

“We hope that through this initiative, we can contribute to enhance peace-building effort of our diocese, and inspire various stakeholders, including government, civil society and local communities to support our peace building initiatives and respond conflicts in the localities,” he said.

The five-day peace torch relay in Negros Occidental, dubbed “Pabalhas sa Katawhayan”, kicked off yesterday in two starting lines in San Carlos City in north, and Hinobaan in the south.

Capt. Leo Christopher Cunanan, 303rd Infantry Brigade Civil Military Operations officer, said about 3,000 individuals exerted their effort to show their support in Day 1 of the activity.

Lt. Col. Rodrigo Sosmena, 47th Infantry Battalion commander, in his speech at the Hinobaan gym before the relay started, enjoined Negrenses to show their commitment and pledge to do their share for peace to reign in southern Negros.

The concept of the relay it to pass the Peace Torch from a town or city to its neighbouring areas with a program and “candle-lighting” activity, with the peace rallies and prayers at the same time.

It will converge at the Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City on Sept. 21, for the Light-a-Candle for peace ceremony, with Army chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles among the guests of honor and speakers.

A similar activity was also held last year in Negros Occidental, participated in by about 30,000 Negrenses.*GPB

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