[HWPL]

[HWPL] Peace Tours of Man-Hee Lee (37): “Thanks to Chairman Lee, a Korean, who opened the way for peace in the Philippines”

On May 24, 2015, Catholics are listening to a sermon by Chairman Man-hee Lee (top left) who was invited to a Mass officiated by Archbishop Ledesma at St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines

On January 24, 2014, a mood of peace permeated the Philippines following the Mindanao Civil Peace Agreement. Upon hearing news of the peace agreement, Filipinos expressed their gratitude to Chairman Lee and the peace delegation as growing crowds welcomed the peace delegation on each subsequent visit. Consequently, a strong bond was formed with civil organizations and local figures.

Local women, including Sister Auda Mangaron (third from left), a member of International Women's Peace Group (IWPG), is singing 'Hope for Peace' in Korean at Mother of Divine Grace Chapel in Manila, Philippines, on May 22, 2015

After meeting the HWPL Peace Delegation, Sister Mangaron's life changed. In order to carry out the work of peace, she joined IWPG and devoted her efforts to the establishment of a culture of peace in her capacity as a woman and a nun. Sister Mangaron also personally attended the WARP Summit held prior in Korea in September 2014.

At the WARP Summit at that time, she said, “I think this incredible event that is uniting all nations for peace is truly unique. I'm sure this is from God. I'm grateful that Chairman Lee has taken on this special mandate given by the Creator in this current suffering era that desperately needs peace.”

On the 18th Peace Tour, Sister Mangaron was the first to meet Chairman Lee and the peace delegation. During the visit, Chairman Lee met with not only Sister Mangaron, but also Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, who had previously invited Chairman Lee to Mindanao to establish the civil peace agreement. Archbishop Ledesma agreed to cooperate for the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Office and their meeting also strengthened their friendship. Chairman Lee also deepened his relationships with many individuals he had first met on previous trips.

In particular, during the previous visit to the Philippines on the 13th peace tour, officials from the Philippine National Police invited Chairman Lee to deliver a peace lecture at Saint Joseph Pro-Cathedral, connected to the National Police, and awarded him an appreciation letter and plaque.

On May 22, 2015, Philippine National Police officials sign a peace agreement with HWPL at the Mother of Divine Grace Chapel in Manila, Philippines

On the 22nd, at the Mother of Divine Grace Chapel, where Sister Mangaron works, three representatives, Army Spokesman and Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Joselito Kakilala, former Philippine National Police Headquarters Chief Amerodine Hamdag, and former commander of the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Benjamin Mohammad Dolorfino (Ret.), had a meeting with Chairman Lee.

Chairman Lee suggested at the meeting, “For peace, first, international law must be enacted, and second, religions must be united. Current international law provisions allow war and do not prohibit it. We cannot expect peace until laws are changed [to end wars].” He then explained, “This is why the Peace Delegation visits each country to meet the incumbent presidents.”

In response, former commander of the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Benjamin Mohammad Dolorfino (Ret.) expressed his intention to actively participate in the HWPL peace movement, saying, "Chairman Lee's peace movement is incredible."

Amerodine Hamdag, former chief of the Philippine National Police Headquarters, expressed his gratitude for Chairman Lee's peace movement. “First of all, I thank God,” he said, “because Chairman Lee went all the way to Mindanao despite all the risks. It was God permitting him to do so.”

On May 25, 2015, when the 2nd anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace was being held, Chairman Lee met with the governor of Maguindanao, Mindanao, Philippines

The three individuals signed a peace agreement for the cessation of wars in the global village, and Chairman Lee appointed them as HWPL publicity ambassadors. After the appointment ceremony, former chief Hamdag said, “I am very happy to become a publicity ambassador with the appointment of Chairman Lee.”

Former commander of the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Benjamin Mohammad Dolorfino (Ret.) said, “Even though he is from Korea, Chairman Lee opened the way for peace in the Philippines from Maguindanao. I hope that these peace achievements, which contribute towards the overall goal of world peace, will inspire many people in the Philippines.”

The meeting between Chairman Lee and officials from the Philippine National Police was closely covered by Philippine state broadcaster PTV and CNN Philippines.

CNN is a 24-hour live news channel that operates throughout the Philippines in English and Tagalog. CNN Philippine News Correspondent Brian Poe Llamanzares requested a special on-the-spot interview with Chairman Lee.

In advance of the interview with Chairman Lee, correspondent Llamanzares witnessed the WARP Summit held in September 2014 via livestream. After Chairman Lee accepted the request for interview, correspondent Llamanzares asked him many questions about the WARP Summit and the epochal peace movement that Chairman Lee was conducting.

On May 24, 2015, after Chairman Lee delivers a message of peace at Mass at St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, Catholics come to pay homage to him

During the interview, Chairman Lee said, “At the WARP Summit, politicians, Supreme Court justices, presidents, and members of the National Assembly all signed a pledge for the enactment of an international law (for the cessation of war).” Explaining the significance of the peace agreement made at the WARP Summit, Chairman Lee said, “This agreement towards the enactment of an international law is for the sake of peace and is a promise that religions will become one.”

Then, Chairman Lee emphasized, "At this time everyone, including the government, religions, and all people, must come together and work for peace."

He also addressed the correspondent, saying, "More than anything else, I would like to ask the media worldwide to take the lead in this work of peace." "In addition, members of the National Assembly of various countries are signing in support of HWPL's peace work and are cooperating with HWPL. Doesn't this prove that peace is being achieved?"

On May 22, 2015, after the Peace Agreement Ceremony and the HWPL Publicity Ambassadors' Appointment Ceremony at the Mother of Divine Grace Chapel, Chairman Lee and the peace delegation are conducting an interview with CNN Philippines

Chairman Lee also accepted the interview with the Philippine state broadcaster PTV. PTV is the first media outlet to cover the HWPL peace movement in the Philippines, having reported more than 30 times prior to the 18th peace tour.

Ramon Nunez, News Operations Manager of PTV 4, personally visited HWPL to report on Chairman Lee's activities. Chairman Lee appointed Nunez as an HWPL publicity ambassador.

On the 25th, major peace events such as the 2nd anniversary of the May 25 Declaration of Peace, the Peace Walk, the Mindanao Peace Agreement Monument Unveiling Ceremony, HWPL Proclamation Day, and the Conferment of Achievement Award and Plaque Appreciation Ceremony were covered and reported by about 20 Filipino media outlets in Maguindanao, Mindanao, Philippines.

St. Anthony's Cathedral, where Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, who invited Chairman Lee to deliver a message at Mass, serves