Church and military leaders in Negros rallied behind the creation of the Church-Military Advisory Group in Negros yesterday, which they said aims to ensure respect for human life and dignity and achieve sustained peace and development in Negros.

The MOU was signed by Col. Honorato de los Reyes – Army 303rd Infantry Brigade chief, Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra and Kabankalan Bishop Patricio Buzon in the presence of Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado – APF Central Command chief, and Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak – military ordinate of the Philippines, at the Diocesan Center of Bacolod.

San Carlos Bishop Jose Avincula and Dumaguete Bishop John Du who were not present had separately signed the MOU.

There is a need to maintain an open line of communication in achieving a harmonious and pro-active relationship and cooperation between the four dioceses on Negros Island and the Army, the MOU states.

Navarra said CMAG-Negros is “designed for the greater advantage of the general public and to ensure peace and order for the safety, security and well-being of the people in Negros Island”.

Conflicts to be resolved by CMAG-Negros should postulate goodwill, respect and honesty, he said. 

The creation of CMAG-Negros aims to promote good relations between the church and military in resolving issues and conflicts, Ibrado said.

Ibrado said he is planning to replicate the CMAG in other areas of the Visayas.

CMAG-Negros which is composed of the four   Dioceses in Negros and the Civil Military Operations Task Unit of the Philippine Army, is laying down the cornerstone of brotherhood, not just between the church and military, but more also among the communities in Negros, Maj. Nathaniel Villasor and Bro. Jack Pamine of Pax Cristi-Negros, said.

The MOU also includes the creation of fact-finding missions separately or jointly to investigate and resolve issues and conflicts, arising from the conduct of the peace and development campaign in Negros.

The CMAG-N will also hold monthly meetings.*GPB

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