"We, Filipino people of the Muslim and Christian faiths, share in the deep sorrow felt by the victims, their families and concerned citizens all over the world on the tragedy of September 11, 2001. We offer our prayers and heartfelt condolences to our brothers and sisters in the US.

The perpetrators and accomplices of this terrorist act must be brought to justice. We unite in pursuing a thorough investigation of the September 11 attacks and call for an international tribunal that will bring to justice all the perpetrators.

As peace-loving peoples, we oppose the declaration of war by US President Bush on the terrorists and the countries accused of harboring the suspects. Such declaration implies a very dangerous consequence, as we know: the slaughter of civilians. It is common knowledge that the US has a very strong war arsenal and is capable of launching a full-scale war that will not spare anyone.

Thus, we strongly condemn the air strikes on Afghanistan ordered by US President George W. Bush on the pretext of flushing out Osama Bin Laden. It is outrageous that the US has directed military operations to bring the alleged perpetrators and those harboring them to justice. What justice is it without the benefit of fair trial by a neutral body? The US policy of "war against terrorism" has only fanned biases against Muslims, the Arab race and other peoples of color.

We equally oppose the all-out support policy given by the Arroyo administration and its adverse effects on the Moro people and Muslim immigrants here in the Philippines.

We believe that all possible diplomatic means have not been exhausted before plunging into this war. We call on the US government and its allies to retract from this immoral act before it is too late.

Our faiths compel us to demand justice for the victims, but we believe that a US-led war of retaliation and aggression will further oppress other nations and peoples. We call on the Arroyo government to reconsider its "full and unconditional support" to this unjust war.

The Muslim and Christian faiths unequivocally pursue peace based on justice. Thus, we are committed to overcome oppression in all its forms.

Convenors:
Fr. Jesus Allado, CRSP
Mr. Bayani Alonzo, SCM
Fr. Pete Arguillas, MSC
Sr. Ellen Belardo, RGS
Bishop Erme R. Camba, UCCP
Sr. Estela Cordero, FdCC
Fr. Joe Dizon, KAIROS Phil.
Ms. Norma Dollaga, KASIMBAYAN
Ms. Amie Dural, PCPR
Ms. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes, NCCP
Rev. Ruby-Nell M. Estrella, UMC
Sr. Pat Fox, NDS
The Most Rev. Deogracias Iniguez, Jr., D.D.
Mr. Robinson Landicho, IEMELIF
Ms. Amira Lidasan, MCPA
Most Rev. Tomas A. Millamena, IFI
Sr. Angelita Navarro, ICM
Rev. Dave Pascua, UTS
Rev. Fr. Charlie Ricafort, OSC
Bishop Leo A. Soriano, UMC
Rev. Lito Tangonan, UMC
Bishop Solito K. Toquero, UMC
Sr. Evangelista Africa, SNDS
Bp. Elmer Bolocon, UCCP
Bp.Nathanael Lazaro, IEMELIF"

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