MANILA— A new era of peace has been declared on Mindanao Island, a region stricken by a long history of religious conflict between Catholics and Muslims that has claimed over 100,000 lives. The peace movement, led by peace advocate Man Hee Lee of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light(HWPL) marks Lee’s third visit to the Philippines from South Korea at the request of Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma and other religious leaders and students.

On January 23rd, Man Hee Lee met with Archbishop Ledesma and other bishops of Cagaya de Oro, who signed the HWPL Peace Agreement to work toward ending war and achieving world peace.

On January 24th, despite high alerts of violence, Mr. Lee traveled to the Mindanao region of the Philippines where he was welcomed by hundreds of students. Messengers were sent ahead of him to gather people before Mr. Lee arrived and a groundbreaking peace walk of students from the University of Mindanao, youth associations, mayors and religious leaders filled downtown General Santos. The walk, held for the first time despite alerts of violence, transcended religions and nationalities and inspired the Filipino youth generation that peace is possible. Joining Mr. Lee was also Ms. Kim Nam Hee of the International Womens Peace Group (IWPG) who is working with women leaders to advocate peace.

Following the Mindanao peace walk, a forum to discuss a peace solution included Fernando Capalla, former archbishop of Mindanao Davao and Esmael Mangudadatu, Governor of Maguindanao (an Islamic autonomous district in Mindanao). For the first time in 40 years, Catholic and Islamic representatives united to sign the peace agreement for ending war and achieving World Peace and pledged to work together with HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee. In addition, Capalla and Mangudadatu vowed to work toward ending disputes between Catholics and Muslims.

Although a previous Peace Agreement meeting hosted by the Philippine government and the Islam autonomous region was signed in 2012, violence and killings have since interrupted the call for peace. Now, it is hoped, through Mr. Lee’s latest efforts to meet with religious and city leaders, as well as youth, in addition to the signing of this new HPWL Peace Agreement, the Filipino government and its citizens will see an end to the violence and killing. Their gratitude was expressed to Mr. Lee by commemorating the memorable day with a peace festival in the city.

This visit to the Philippines marks his 8th World Tour. Mr. Lee has travelled to over 58 countries to advocate the message of peace. In November of last year, Mr. Lee began his tour in the United States and spoke at the University of Southern California. Furthermore, working with school organizations at UCLA, UC Irvine, Cal Poly Pomona, Pepperdine and Cal State Fullerton, he organized a rally for peace aboard the SS Lane Victory ship in San Pedro, CA.