Peace rally condemns NPA atrocities

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 3): Peace rally condemns NPA atrocities

The 4th Infantry Division (4ID) joined the peace rally at the Rizal Park in Gingoog City last April 29 to express sympathy to the families and friends of the Velasco brothers who died during the ambush perpetrated in by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels against Mayor Ruth de Lara Guingona’s convoy last April 20.

Local municipal and barangay officials, religious groups, people’s organizations, non-government organizations, indigenous peoples’ organizations, youth and student sector and the women’s sector participated in the rally.

The people condemned the crimes and atrocities done by the NPA rebels, not only in Gingoog City but in other places in Misamis Oriental.

Brig. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya, general officer-in-charge of 4ID said, “The recent incidents which happened which was perpetrated in by the insurgents proved that the description of being terrorist, robbers, gruesome and animalistic are actually not enough to really describe them.”

“We cannot just let this hinder the development in our area, I believe that collaboration between government, non-government organizations and other stakeholders is best to counter this unproductive and inhumane atrocities of the rebels. It is only by acting together we can attain peace and seize the existence of NPAs which have been the burden of the country for more than four decades,” said Visaya.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1461367495496