Martin Jumoad

"Children must come to understand the immense gift and value of each human life. No one has the power to take a life, except God Himself. We cannot teach them to kill others. This would lead to a catastrophe."

"I seriously fear for my life and the lives of the faithful. However, today I went out to encourage the faithful. This is my mission. I have prepared a pastoral letter calling on Catholics to stay in Basilan, which is our home, and asking them to remain calm, not to react to violence, and to pray for peace. Today, a procession of people carrying candles as a sign of peace lit the city. Our hope must not die."

"For peace an effort of sincerity is needed, especially by Islamic groups. One cannot speak of peace when weapons are used. The galaxy of Muslim groups is often indistinct: legal groups and recognized as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and illegal groups and terrorists tend to mix up. Muslim groups have to isolate the terrorists. The law must serve to draw an agreement that is respectful of the Constitution, a peace that guarantees the welfare of all, with an inclusive approach, considering Muslims, Christians and lumads (tribals). This is the path towards good, just and lasting peace in Mindanao"