On National Heroes Day prayer rally called the Global Day of Prayer for Peace and Victory in the West Philippines Sea was held in front of the Chinese Consulate at Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue, Makati City on August 31, 2015, Monday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 NN.

The prayer rally organized by Movement & Alliance to Resist China’s Aggression (MARCHA) was led by former national security adviser Roilo Golez and the US Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG) led by Atty. Loida Nicolas Lewis, with the full support of various religious, civic and political groups.

The multi-sectoral movement seeks the favorable decision for the Philippines’ arbitration case challenging China’s massive claims on the South Sea. The decision of the tribunal is set to have a huge impact on the country’s territorial, economic, and environmental integrity.

Various groups both civil and religious, such as the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church headed by Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Intercessors for the Philippines (IFP), Christian Men’s Ministry of the Philippines and the various chapters of Knights of Columbus attended the event.

The August 31 prayer movement for peace was specifically chosen to coincide with the National Heroes Dday to remember the heroes who fought for our sovereignty and territory.

“Millions of Filipinos around the country and the world are encouraged to organize similar prayer rallies on that day wherever they are” says MARCHA secretary general Eufemio Agbayani III.

Reference:

Francis de Guzman – 0915-727-9433

Eufemio Agbayani III – 0926-836-1222

******

RATIONALE OF THE ACTIVITY

The United Nations Arbitral Tribunal at The Hague, Netherlands will soon decide on the question of jurisdiction on the arbitration case filed by the Philippines challenging China’s massive claims on the South China Sea. This is going to be a crucial decision and will have a huge impact on the country’s territory, national security, natural resources and the future of the next generations.

MARCHA or the Movement & Alliance to Resist China’s Aggression is therefore going to hold, and calling on all Filipinos around the world to join, the Global Day of Prayer for Peace & Victory on August 31, 2015, Monday, coinciding with the National Heroes Day. Our heroes fought for our sovereignty and territory and the least we can do is emulate their example in the defense of our West Philippine Sea.

We likewise ask all citizens of the world who also value the Rule of Law, the principles and provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), freedom of navigation and equity for all nations, big or small, in the enjoyment and protection of the global commons, to join us in this Day of Prayer of Peace & Victory.

The main national prayer rally will be held at 9:00 AM in front of the China Consulate on Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue, Makati.

Filipinos around the country and the world are also encouraged to organize similar prayer rallies or to join in praying wherever they are on that day.

'Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; He will take up their case against you.' - Proverbs 23:10-11

***

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
With remarks for the attendees and the media

9:15 AM Expected Arrival by groups joining the prayer rally. Groups and individuals may choose their own assembly points and time but all are expected to be at the protest site by 9:30 AM.

Attendees are allowed to park their vehicles at the fringes of the protest site. The reserved area is the lanes closer to the World Center building between Tordesillas street and Nicanor Garcia (Reposo) street. Please see map in this attachment.

Please note that since this is a prayer rally, a solemn atmosphere must be observed. There will be only minimal chants. Media are asked to refrain from interviewing key persons while the prayers are on going.

9:30 AM Blowing of the Shoffars (to indicate the start of the rally)
Singing of the Philippine National Anthem

Remarks by Leaders of Non-Religious Groups.
Groups may give a short (maximum of five minutes) message to the people gathered. If your group desires to speak, please signify your intention with the speakers coordinator.

Expected Speakers:
Mr. Roilo Golez, Movement & Alliance to Resist China’s Aggression (MARCHA)
Ms. Loida Nicolas-Lewis, U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG)

9:45 AM Message and Song from the Dumagat Community
A group of indigenous Dumagat from Angat, Bulacan were invited to join the prayer rally. They may render a message and song.

Prayers of Religious Groups
Leaders of religious groups will be asked to pray for a maximum of five minutes. If a group has many chapters, these chapters will be recognized by the emcee but only one prayer will be needed from them as a whole.

As with non-religious speakers, please signify to the speakers coordinator your group’s desire to deliver a prayer.

Expected Prayer Leaders:
Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Jesus is Lord Church (JIL)
Pastor Francis Nicolas, Grain, New Wine, and Oil Ministries (GNWOM)
A representative from the Intercessors for the Philippines (IFP)
A representative from the Christian Men’s Ministries (CMM)
A representative from the various councils of the Knights of Columbus (KoC)
A Roman Catholic priest, preferably from the nearby National Shrine of the Sacred Heart

11:15 AM Solemn Candle Lighting
Candles will be lighted by participants to signify the hopefulness of the people present for a peaceful resolution on the West Philippine Sea conflict.

11:30 AM Singing of Nationalistic Songs as people depart
After short reminders, “Bayan Ko” and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” will be sung. After the songs, people may leave. Groups who may want to stay to pray on their own may do so until 12:00 NN.