By Stephen J Pedroza
As has been the practice for major campus events, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan is closely working with the local security forces of Cagayan de Oro City to ensure a safe and secure academic convocation at the university gymnasium.
On March 26, XU will confer an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanities to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles and the Fr William F Masterson SJ Award for contributions to social development to Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chairperson of the Philippine government peace panel in talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and to Mohagher Iqbal, chairperson of the MILF peace panel and chairperson of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission.
The invitation to the three peace negotiators forms part of XU’s “pursuit to broaden the education and perspective on the peace process and democracy among her graduates and constituents.”
Leaders of Cagayan de Oro including Mayor Oscar S Moreno and Archbishop Antonio J Ledesma SJ DD, among others, will also grace the convocation.
‘Zone of discipline’
XU clarifies that this year’s honorees will come and only be provided with minimal security details. Moreover, Iqbal has stated categorically that “No MILF armed escorts will accompany me.”
As part of the routine security measures for annual events such as graduation ceremonies, security forces will be tapped to safeguard the campus and its vicinity.
As of this press time, initial safety and security arrangements have already been proposed with the assistance of the office of CDO Mayor Moreno, the Philippine National Police, the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and XU’s graduation executive committee and security office. XU is set to send letters detailing safety protocols to the parents of the graduating class shortly. This letter will also be posted at the XU website.
Tentative security plans include opening Tirso Neri and Abejuela streets for parking, and declaring the area around XU as a “zone of discipline,” so that the streets of Corrales, Hayes and Justiniano R Borja will be closed to all traffic from 5AM to 2PM. These traffic arrangements, however, are still subject to change as plans are still being finalized.
Rebuilding of trust
XU President Fr Roberto C Yap SJ said in a statement, “Our three leaders are partners in peace who eschew the ways of extremism and terrorism. They are for a negotiated political solution. They continue to work hard to build mutual confidence and trust, coupled with mutually agreed upon processes and mechanisms. They endeavor to keep alive the hope that dialogues, negotiations, and kept agreements replace guns, violence, and war.”
The XU board of trustees approved the conferral of commencement awards to the three negotiators on November 29, 2014, almost two months before the Mamasapano tragedy in Maguindanao, where 70 Filipinos died including 44 PNP- Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) troopers, Mamasapano combatants and civilians.
By conferring these awards during the 2015 convocation, Yap said, “Xavier hopes to inspire her graduates to be brave and bold, and not be afraid to walk the demanding but necessary path of peace in our troubled island of Mindanao.”
He continued: “More than ever, especially after the Mamasapano tragedy, Xavier University signifies its support for staying the course in pursuing peace by honoring three leaders: Teresita Quintos-Deles, Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Mohagher Iqbal, for their commitment to peace based on truth and justice.”