From the Philippine Information Agency (May 11): Army, Impasugong LGU step up “Bayanihan para sa Kapayapaan” cooperation
IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- More than 300 farmers, tribal leaders, youth, women, indigenous people (IPs) and religious groups from different barangays of Impasugong recently gathered at the municipal gymnasium to join the ‘peace assembly’ in an effort to step up cooperation for the town’s peace promotion.
The activity started with the making of ‘peace messages’ and a ‘walk for peace’ around town’s major thoroughfares. It was followed by a concert for peace performed by Rogelio “Waway” Saway and ‘Kadugo’, the famous musical artists of the Talaandig tribe in Bukidnon. The 8IB Band also joined the group onstage.
Mayor Mario T. Okinlay said the event aims to develop channels for peace-building and deal with security threats from outlaws.
“We should give the campaign for peace a higher priority to savour Impasugong’s vast natural abundance. We have a very rich soil and a rich varied cultural life. It has been 45 years since the conflict of beliefs, ideals, and objectives started, which caused problems and loss of lives. It is time for us to unite, work together, and convince our beleaguered brothers in the armed struggle to lay down their arms and join us in our community-based initiatives such as this Peace Assembly,” the mayor said during the ceremony.
Likewise, Lt. Col. Romualdo Raymund B. Landingin, commanding officer of the army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) said the event aims to promote peace and denounce armed struggle and violence as means of solving problems in the community.
“We acknowledge that there remain complex issues on peace and security that need to be addressed. However, a purely military solution is not enough to fully solve them. Efforts to achieve genuine peace must therefore be supported by all,” he said.
IP’s Mandatory Representative Hon. Warlito “Datu Masilsil” Sagubay led the Higaonon tribe leaders in the symbolic releasing of “balloons for peace,” which culminated the event.
Anchored on the theme “Armadong pakikibaka at karahasan, hindi solusyon sa mga problema ng Impasugong (armed struggle and violence, not a solution to problems),” the event is an essential part of the army’s “Bayanihan para sa kapayapaan (working together for peace)” program.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1501399687191
This activity appears to be similar to the "indignation" rallies often organized by the military to discredit the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its military wing, the New People's Army (NPA). While this event emphasizes peace it denounces "armed struggle and violence as means of solving problems in the community." This is a direct slap against the Maoist CPP/NPA insurgency.
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