Catholics teach peace-building to both sides in Philippine war

Published: 2008-02-27

DAVAO, Philippines (CNS) -- In this land bloodied by decades of war, text messages can stop rumors, save lives and build peace. Staffers of Catholic Relief Services have learned that in recent months while serving as intermediaries in the high-stakes drama of war and peace on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. The overseas relief and development arm of the U.S. Catholic community, CRS has worked in the Philippines for more than six decades. But instead of traditional agricultural projects and relief work, in the last 10 years its focus in Mindanao has shifted to peace-building -- helping the protagonists in a lengthy conflict find avenues to peace, even in the midst of continued fighting. The trust CRS staffers have established with all parties in the Mindanao conflict means they have occasionally received text messages from one side asking about the intentions of the other. After checking it out, they've sent back a reply, heading off a military response that could have meant disaster for civilians caught in the crossfire.

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