2013 Philippines Trip To Support PCF

Mindano has a large number of Muslim rebels who have been fighting the government troops for many years. About 4 weeks ago one group agreed to a cease fire and this Thursday the Government gave them 20 cows as a livelihood gift. Steve went to the ceremony hand over which was attended by the governor and minister from Manila. The Pastor is the Head of the Interfaith Peace Council. Mindano has a large number of Muslim rebels who have been fighting the government troops for many years. About 4 weeks ago one group agreed to a cease fire and this Thursday the Government gave them 20 cows as a livelihood gift. Steve went to the ceremony hand over which was attended by the governor and minister from Manila. The Pastor is the Head of the Interfaith Peace Council. “Made great friends with this guy and his sons. He is a politician and religious leader for rebel group MNLF. Them coming to peace agreement with the Philippine government today after 45 years of violence is like the IRA accepting peace in NI. Government minister, Regional Governor, Army Colonel, Local Bacalod Mayor, local Muslim and Christian leaders and CAFOD reps (and me!). An historic day. 50 sacks of rice and 20 caribou smoothed the agreement as a show of government goodwill. Happy days. I was there the day that peace was agreed in Mindano! I (more than anyone else with position who all sat together) wandered around the camp/village and actually got to meet all the rebels and villagers, wives and kids. They all wanted their picture taken with me! I am the first white European they ever met and certainly the first who came to meet them! I have had to promise to return on my next trip! One wild chap named Murphy, who flipped lids of Pepsi bottles with his bare hands, was very surprised when I replied “one” to his question of “how many wives do i have?” Some of these guys have 4 wives…..can you imagine that….? Left the camp after chilli beef and rice lunch and after an off road return trip in the back of an army lorry got back to the road that leads to the road back to town (and an air conditioned toyota hiace van, absolute luxury if the driver could just stay under 100….(or so it seems). Waiting at the local army base now for the dignitaries who will sign the actual paperwork…..

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