Tagle urges Filipinos to ‘work for peace’ despite Jolo bombing

“Only good can combat evil. Instead of being discouraged, let us strengthen our resolve to work for peace based on justice, truth, love and respect for human life and dignity,” he added. (File Photo: Archdiocese of Manila – Office of Communications/Facebook)

MANILA — Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle appealed to Filipinos not to abandon the quest for peace despite the two deadly bombings that ripped through a Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu on Sunday.

“We call on all Filipinos, especially Catholics and Christians, not to abandon our commitment to peace,” Tagle said in a statement on Monday.

“Only good can combat evil. Instead of being discouraged, let us strengthen our resolve to work for peace based on justice, truth, love and respect for human life and dignity,” he added.

He also encouraged everyone to “multiply good and honorable thoughts, sentiments, words and actions”.

“Let us not abandon our efforts to dialogue with people who differ from us. Bridges are more useful than walls,” he said.

Tagle, meanwhile, condemned the two explosions that took place inside and outside of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral while a mass was ongoing, killing at least 20 people and wounding 112 others.

“The bombing in the Cathedral of Jolo and in the parking area is senseless because it is inhuman. That it happened during the Eucharistic celebration on a Sunday, the commemoration of Jesus’ triumph over death, makes it abominable because it violates the sense of God present in every human heart,” he said.

The Catholic prelate assured that they are praying for those who died and those wounded in the incident that happened days after the successful plebiscite to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

“We in the Archdiocese of Manila unite ourselves with the civilians and military personnel who died. You are in our prayer. Be assured that you will be given divine justice. We are one with the families of the dead and the wounded and the community of Jolo. You have a family in us. We are ready to assist you in your needs,” he said.

Tagle called on the perpetrators to stop their evil acts, ask for God’s forgiveness and start a new life.

“We urge those who planned and executed this brutal act to ask forgiveness of God and humanity, to leave behind their destructive ways and to start a new life of truthfulness, justice and love befitting true human beings,” he said.