Military Bishop welcomes ceasefire

MANILA, Dec. 6, 2010—The Military Ordinariate Bishop Leopoldo S. Tumulak welcomed the ceasefire between the government and communist insurgents scheduled to begin on Thursday, December 16 until January 3, 2011.

In a statement sent to CBCPNews, the 66-year old prelate said he is thankful to God because “both sides will have time to be with their families and enjoy the Christmas holiday.”

However, he added “I hope and pray they continue to dialogue and keep on communicating no matter what happens,” because “listening with empathy and speaking with honesty and mutually recognizing theirs and the people’s needs based on values are steps to peace.”

Bishop Tumulak said “openness of heart and honesty and real concern for the community is a way to peace, lasting peace.” (Melo M. Acuna)