By Jennifer P. Rendon
Five barangays in San Joaquin town followed the lead of other villages in Iloilo province in repulsing the New People’s Army (NPA).
They expressed their condemnation by staging three consecutive peace rallies against the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) recently.
These residents are from barangays Cadluman, Igdagmay, Iglilico, Igpayong, and San Mateo.
The activity was anchored on the theme, “Peace is the greatest weapon for development.”
The “rallyists” were mainly composed of parents, who carried with them signboards and banners bearing their sentiments against the rebels.
They also demanded an end to their extortion activities, harassments, threats to the local populace, and recruitment and exploitation of the youth and Indigenous Peoples.
It was gathered that the activity was led by barangay officials.
Just like in previous peace rallies, the participants also signed at a “wall of commitment” manifesting their “non-support” for the rebel group.
They also took an oath of allegiance to the government and burned CPP-NPA-NDF flags.
During the activity, the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion distributed the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) leaflets to encourage NPA rebels to return to the government’s fold and to live a peaceful life as part of the mainstream society.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Marion Sison, 301st Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the local populace for standing against the local communist group.
“Coordination, cooperation, and collaboration between the military, other local government agencies, stakeholders and the community indeed promote trust and confidence of the locals” he said.
Sison underscored that cooperation will pave the way for the delivery of basic services to cater the needs of the people.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy na ito upang magbigay daan ang isang tunay na kapayapaan at pag-unlad ng buong Panay,” Sison said.
