Pro-Palestine Conference in Davao Demands Global Solidarity and Peace
On Friday, April 10, 2026, the Acacia Hotel in Davao hosted the National Solidarity Conference, organized by pro-Palestine groups led by the League of Bangsamoro Organizations. The event brought together participants from across the Philippines and international nations to voice support for Palestine and urge an end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Voices of Solidarity and Shared Struggles
Hashim Manticayan, president of the League of Bangsamoro Organizations, emphasized the Bangsamoro people's solidarity with Palestinians, citing shared experiences of oppression. In a media interview, he stated, "To show our solidarity with our Palestinian brothers who are, until now, experiencing suffering with the genocidal government of Israel and together with the United States of America." Mohagher M. Iqbal, chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Peace Implementing Panel, highlighted the global importance of peace, noting that conflicts have far-reaching impacts. He explained, "Peace should be permanent, and war is only temporary... unless war is forced upon you because you have the right to defend yourself."
International Participation and Advocacy Goals
The two-day conference attracted representatives from countries including Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, and the Maldives, who funded their own travel to demonstrate solidarity. Manticayan outlined key objectives: developing concrete solutions to assist Palestinians seeking shelter in the Philippines and appealing to international bodies like the United Nations. The event also aimed to engage local government officials and Bangsamoro Region representatives to advance advocacy at parliamentary and congressional levels.
Humanitarian Efforts and Youth Involvement
Humanitarian initiatives were a focal point, with Manticayan revealing that the group raised approximately P6 million in 2024 for food aid to Palestine and plans to replicate this in 2026. Saima Mamalo, president of Handala Project, Inc., shared that their grassroots efforts collected P170,000 this year for Gaza, totaling P850,000 over two years through online donations. Manticayan stressed the importance of youth engagement, encouraging students to use social media to raise awareness and pressure the international community to intervene in Palestine.
Broader Impacts and Calls to Action
Atty. Mary Ann Arnado, co-convenor of the conference, warned that the conflict affects everyone due to rising oil prices, urging public involvement. She said, "If this war will not be stopped and it will escalate, all of us will suffer... we really need to step up and ensure that our voices are counted." H.E. Mounir Y.K. Anastas, Palestinian Ambassador to the Philippines, expressed gratitude in a recorded message, noting the Philippines' support in the UN for a ceasefire in Gaza. He described the situation as a systematic campaign of dispossession and ethnic cleansing, underscoring the urgency for global action.
