Participants in the Gingoog Peace Parade denounce armed conflict and attacks by the NPA. Photographed by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com
About 2,500 people from various sectors here marched for about three kilometers in what they called a "Peace Parade" on Tuesday afternoon to denounce armed conflict and the series of attacks carried out by the communist New People's Army (NPA) last month.
"The peace parade is a way for us to condemn the series of attacks and atrocities done by the NPA against our people, especially in the hinterland barangays of our city. This is also a gathering to promote unity for our people, to call for peace, especially since we fear that violence could intensify as the election season comes closer," said Mayor Marie Guingona of Gingoog City.
Guingona said she hopes the local government would be able to avert more violence among the city's communities.
"It's been a month after the incidents that have wounded and killed several of our residents and the abduction of one soldier. Right now, I still hope that we will be able to find peaceful means to resolve this conflict with the NPA, proceed with our peace keeping efforts for the city and for the protection of our people," said Guingona.
The largest contingent of the Peace Parade came from the students of five participating schools, namely: Bukidnon State College, Gingoog Christian College, Gingoog City Colleges, Christ the King College and Gingoog City Comprehensive National High School.
Cheruben Llobia, a 23-year-old sociology student of BSU, expressed optimism for peace, together with her schoolmate during the march: "We are happy to participate. I was excited to experience a peace rally and be part of something bigger for our city. We hope that just being here would help stop the violence and conflict in Gingoog."
Llobia added that, since the attacks started, they became afraid of going out or coming home from school in the evening, with police officers and soldiers on alert and keeping watch.
Last July 11, the NPA attacked an army squad in Barangay Alagatan, right in the heart of the village while children and civilians were watching a basketball game and others going through their Saturday afternoon routine.
The attack resulted in injuries to two civilians, including a 14-year old, a child and the capture of army man Pfc Adones Jess Lupiba.
Barely a week after that, another NPA attack happened at Barangay Hindangon, which led to the death of three members of the community militia who their family members claimed to be unarmed and on their way to the army detachment.
Henny Lupiba, the wife of the abducted soldier, was hopeful for a peaceful resolution and safe release of her husband.
"It has been a prolonged agony for us, but I am still thankful for everyone who prayed and showed their support to our family. We are hoping that, amid the long wait, my husband will come home to us, I can't say more except to emphasize that our goal here is to achieve peace for everyone," said Lupiba, who traveled from Cagayan de Oro City to attend the activity.
Among those taking part in the march for peace was the wife of one of the slain civilian active auxiliary or community militia killed in the attack in Hindangon.
"We hope that the armed group in the mountains would think and realize that the persons they killed had children and a wife who is now pregnant. What future is there for our children and me as they killed my husband who has not done anything wrong? Peace can be achieved, but we also ask for justice," said Annalyn Abao, who shed tears while expressing her grief.
The NPA, in a statement after the July incident, said the incident would have been avoided if the soldiers did not stay in the communities, even as it also condemned the "military occupation" of villages.
All photographs below by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com.
About 2,500 people join the Peace Parade that culminated in a rally along the seaside boulevard of Gingoog City.
The majority of the Peace March participants were students from five colleges and high schools in the city.
Students carry placards with peace slogans under the heat of the afternoon sun.
The wife of one of the slain militiamen cries out in grief during the testimonial for peace.
Peace Parade participants release sky lanterns to signify lighting the way to peace.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116349/gingoog-folk-rally-for-peace-in-the-face-of-npa-attacks
These kinds of "indignation rallies" usually involve a fair amount of assistance from the local Philippine military Civil-Military Operations Unit. For example, most Army divisions have a Civil-Military Operations Battalion (CMOB) that is linked to the Division J5 Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations (CMO). CMO encompasses the conduct of Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations-related activities to include anti-communist propaganda actions.
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