BRGY. Bagua Mother, Cotabato City – Muslims, Christians, and indigenous peoples (IP) gathered to witness the Unveiling Ceremony of the Peace Monument last July 19, 2021. The monument was established as a historic marker symbolizing coexistence and harmony in the community.

The 4-decades-long armed conflict between the Moros and the Philippine government in Mindanao resulting in more than 120,000 casualties reflects the necessity of bringing peace in the region.

The peace monument was initiated by an international peace organization named Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) in partnership with Kutawato Greenland Initiatives (KGI), International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and Societal Adolescent-Youth Alliance (SAYA).

The unveiled monument is the third HWPL peace monument in Mindanao. The first peace monument was erected in Buluan, Maguindanao in 2015 and the second was erected in MILF’s Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat in 2016.

According to Danilo Mocsin, Chairman of

KGI, Purok Tongkie, Brgy. Bagua Mother has been specifically chosen for the location for the monument as it was a ‘notorious’ and ‘critical’ place before

“In order to sustain peace, we need to have a marker which will be a guide for the next generation. Also, the peace monument will strengthen the unity and harmony among Muslims, Christians and indigenous people living in one community,” he said. /