ESSC shares the email letter of Pedro Walpole, Executive Director of the Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center (APC) and Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC), to the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) in Zamboanga City, Philippines last 20 October 2011.

Peace.

We wish to express our deepest condolences to the community and family of Father Fausto and offer the Eucharist today in humble thanksgiving for his life and service.

The violence that ended the life of Father Fausto Tentorio, PIME, last 17 October 2011 in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato is a grave contempt for the 30-year work and commitment of Father Tentorio and the PIME community in the Philippines for peace and justice for the marginalized in Mindanao, especially the Indigenous People.

His active advocacy in establishing paths to peace, justice, and human development for those voices not heard and concerns neglected will continue to inspire others who will take up this work with renewed fervor.

All of us at Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center, the Jesuit Parishes of Bukidnon, and Environmental Science for Social Change condemn this murder and grave violation of human rights and call on the authorities to search for the real perpetrators and establish justice with freedom from fear for all.

With the continuing occurrence of violence in Mindanao, society is called to respond with deeper integrity and urgency in establishing a greater and lasting peace particularly in Mindanao and especially for Indigenous Peoples.

In the love of Christ

Pedro Walpole, SJ
Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center