Philippine archbishop expresses optimism over peace talks in Mindanao

Published: 2004-09-20

MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao expressed confidence that the Philippine government's peace talks with Islamic rebels would proceed smoothly now that charges against alleged rebel bombers have been dropped. He cited the Justice Department's decision to drop charges against 185 Moro Islamic Liberation Front leaders and members accused of bombings last year in Davao City, about 600 miles southeast of Manila. The blasts at the international airport and a wharf killed 38 people and wounded more than 200 others. Archbishop Capalla, president of the Philippine bishops' conference, made his comments in a statement released to media shortly before he left Sept. 18 for the United States to speak on Muslim-Christian relations in the Philippines. His remarks were reported by UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. The archbishop said the Justice Department ruling was a "major act of good faith on the part of the government" that could move peace talks forward.

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