We, the members of KAAKBAY - Tri-People Youth Dialogue, are one with the people of General Santos City - whether Majority, Moro or Lumad - in suffering the loss of those who were senselessly killed, and in the anxiety for those who were injured during the recent bombing incident last Sunday. Nakikidalamhati at nakikiramay po kami sa inyo. We grieve with you and we feel your pain.

       In the same breath, we raise our voices as one and cry out: We vehemently condemn the bombing of Fitmart Department Store last April 21, 2002 which claimed the lives of 15 individuals and caused varying injuries to more than 60 others.

       In the past years, we have been rocked time and again with bombings, burning, kidnappings and other forms of violence in attempts by lawless elements to destroy the peace and weaken the moral fiber of the people of this good city. Well, this has to end. Enough is enough!

       We are, therefore, calling on all people, from all sectors of society - whether Majority, Moro or Lumad - to be one with us in ending this violence. Magkaisa tayo! Labanan natin ang karahasan sa mapayapang pamamaraan.

       To the peace-loving citizens of General Santos City, we are imploring you to heed this call. Let us not live in dread and hide or run away by ignoring the fear that these terrorists want to instill in us. Let us go to our jobs, let us go to our businesses, let us go to our classes, let us continue with our daily lives. Let us walk the streets with heads up high. Let is fight for peace by living in peace.

       Ignore the fear. Ignore the threats. Live in peace! By doing so, we give justice and honor to the memory of those who had died last Sunday.

       To our guardians, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we are demanding upon you to use all resources available in bringing to the fold of justice these perpetrators of violence immediately. Be more vigilant than ever for we are entrusting our lives and our society in you in this, our fight for peace.

       To our elders in the city government, we are humbly urging you to formulate and implement a concrete plan of action, which will prevent these forms of violence from ever happening again.

       To all youth organizations, whether campus-based or community-based, join us in our fight for peace! Show to these terrorists that we are not afraid of them. Let us walk the streets with pride and with courage. We will be there with you.

       Let us all do this in honor of the victims of violence in Gensan and their grieving families.

       This is the call of KAAKBAY - Tri-People Youth Dialogue.

***KAAKBAY - Tri-People Youth Dialogue is composed of youth from the Christian, Muslim and Lumad groups who wish that peace and freedom may reign in this land where violence has thrived for centuries.