Peace rally held in Ayungon

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 21): Peace rally held in Ayungon

Several peace volunteers gathered recently in a rally to condemn the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army terrorists, at the municipal gymnasium of Ayungon, Negros Oriental.

The municipalities of Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Manjuyod and Mabinay (BATMANAY) had long been tormented by the harassment, extortion and extra judicial killings of the local terrorist group, so they have decided to step out of their safe zone to denounce the barbaric acts of the CPP-NPA terrorists, organizers said.

The peace rally, dubbed as “BATMANAY One for Peace”, spearheaded by League of Municipalities of Negros Oriental president, Mayor Edsel Enardecido of Ayungon, was attended by municipal mayors, officials and employees, barangay chairmen and residents from the five municipalities.

Enardecido said “We are appealing and asking you to condemn the NPA terrorists. We don’t want them in BATMANAY, they cause chaos to our people and community. It is not just the PNP and Army alone who can address the insurgency problem. It is also our obligation to help them drive these insurgents away in order for us to live peacefully.”

The peace rally was highlighted with the ceremonial Walk for Peace along the Poblacion of Ayungon and ended with the symbolic releasing of white balloons.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/April/21/topstory10.htm