Coming together to pray and call for the release of the ICRC workers Andreas Notter, Eugenio Vagni and Mary Jean Lacaba, groups of Muslims, Christians and other faiths held an interfaith rally yesterday, March 29, 2008 at the Plaza Miranda, Quiapo.

          The organizers, composed of the Aksyon ng Mamamayang Nagkakaisa (AMANA), Assalam Bangsamoro People’s Party (ABPA), People’s Solidarity Action for Peace (PSAP) and the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) brought together around 5,000 rallyists, which they said will not only put pressure on the bandits to release the hostages, but is also a manifestation of unity among people of all faiths in this crisis.

          PNRC Chairman Sen. Richard Gordon attended the rally, with Anak Mindanao Party List Rep. Mujiv Hataman and Buhay Party List Rep. Ma. Carissa Coscolluela.   

          Rep. Hataman stressed that the kidnapping of ICRC workers are against the teachings of Islam. “Islam strictly prohibits the kidnapping of innocent civilians, especially in this case, the victims are not just ordinary civilians, they are humanitarian workers. They went to Sulu to serve the people there,” he said.

          “However, we also urge the government to exhaust all peaceful means to solve this crisis. An all-out military offensive will only increase the number of innocent victims,” Hataman faurther said.