With the theme “Lakad Tungo sa Kapayapaan, Iwaksi ang Terrorismo at Karahasan”, residents led by Barangay Chairman Roman Salucon, other local officials and sectoral participants marched around the community in solidarity for peace with banners condemning terroristic activities of the CPP-NPA-NDF.
They then gathered at the plaza where they burned an effigy of CPP founder Joma Sison and images of known NPA leaders from Kalinga; and signed a covenant of support and pledge of commitment to the government.
The activity is a local initiative in support of End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in partnership with the 50th Infantry Battalion through the Philippine Army’s Community Support Program.
Salucon and retired Army Col. Basilio Bayog shared their experiences especially to the youth participants on the evils of the CPP-NPA-NDF in the 1980s and 1990s.
The speakers also stressed the atrocities the NPA committed in the past hoping that with the support of the community, the present situation will improve to bring back the peaceful memories Kalinga had experienced when there were no NPAs.
Municipal Administrator Engr. Danzel Langkit said “the intensified CSP of the army, the efforts of the Municipal Task Force ELCAC and the full support of the community will surely bring an end to this conflict”.
On the other hand, 50thIB Commanding Officer Lt.Col. Allan Espela acknowledged that such activity empower communities to get involved in the fight or the “all of nation approach” that seeks to end the struggles and adversities caused by the CPP-NPA-NDF.
The indignation rally was also joined by the youth led by Sanngguniang Kabataan Chairman Sheryll Mae Lammawin, the Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative and the supportive members of the Kalinga-Apayao Youth Organization.**JDP/PAB-PIA CAR
