Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) of the Philippines held an unveiling ceremony for the Monument to the Declaration of World Peace at the center of their base camp located in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Province. This area was once known as one of the bloodiest conflict zones in Asia.

Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim of MILF extended an invitation to Mr. Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL, Ms. Nam Hee Kim, Chairwoman of International Women’s Peace Group, and the HWPL Peace Delegation to commemorate the historical Mindanao Peace Agreement led by Chairman Lee on January 24, 2014. Chairman Ebrahim also decided to designate January 24th of every year as ‘HWPL Day’.

On January 24, 2016 the Monument to the Declaration of World Peace, the second HWPL Peace Monument in the Philippines, was shown to the public. The first HWPL Peace Monument had been built only eight months prior in May 2015.

Over 10,000 people from MILF and Moro communities participated in the unveiling ceremony and designation ceremony of HWPL Day. Political stability, economic development, and sustainable development are some of the projects being carried out by these communities in conjunction with HWPL. HWPL as an international NGO, has been leading peace discussions with MILF representatives, Muslim, and Catholic communities, as well as the government of the Philippines.

Keynote messages delivered by Chairman Ebrahim and Chairman Lee are both inscribed on the Monument along with the Declaration of World Peace which was proclaimed by Chairman Lee on May 25, 2013 in Seoul, South Korea before 30,000 people from 130 different countries, announcing the practical methods to achieve world peace.

“This monument has been built on this hallowed ground to honor the people of the Bangsamoro who struggled for justice so that all the communities of Mindanao and Sulu – Muslim, Christian, and Lumad – will live in peace. Furthermore, this monument stands as a testament of support by the people of the Bangsamoro for the ‘International Law (Convention) of World Peace’ advocated in the United Nations by the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, and Restoration of Light (HWPL) led by Chairman Man-Hee Lee of South Korea,” presented by Chairman Ebrahim.

Chairman Lee delivered a powerful message. “Today, where people are suffering from wars and conflicts, all leaders of diverse sectors including politics and religions, are taking part in the peace movements of HWPL by implementing an international law on cessation of wars and world peace, and establishing the HWPL World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Office, as a follow-up on the pledges they made before God and all people. Peace is not a matter confined to a single person but to every individual. Therefore anyone who is part of this global family must all become messengers of peace. Let us all participate and become the messengers of peace to pass on peace as an eternal legacy for the future generations!”

Having participated in the 1st Annual Commemoration of the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Summit this past September in Korea, Chairman Ebrahim, on behalf of MILF, said “Chairman Lee’s visit sends a very strong message to our people that we are not alone in our search for genuine and lasting peace. It also symbolizes the start of a partnership and cooperation between Mindanao Province, MILF, and HWPL.” In March 2015, MILF and the Philippines government came to final negotiations with the Bangsamoro Basic Law. In return, MILF voluntarily began decommissioning their weapons and soldiers. MILF has shown its dedication for peace work.

Before the unveiling ceremony, MILF chairman presented an appreciation plaque to Chairman Lee for his dedication of bringing peace to Mindanao, marking this 7th visit. Centered in MILF’s camp, HWPL’s peace activity will serve as a catalyst to spread the message of peace to the Davao, Mamasapano and General Santos regions, transforming the island of conflict into the island of peace.

Furthermore, ‘HWPL Day’ was designated not only in Maguindanao in the Philippines but also in Carson City, LA and Alexandria, VA in the United States, the Royal Bafokeng Nation in South Africa, as well as in Santa Tecla, El Salvador.