Miag-ao villagers hold peace rally vs Reds

From Panay News (Oct 10, 2020): Miag-ao villagers hold peace rally vs Reds (By Ruby Silubrico)

Some 200 residents of barangays Pudpud and San Jose in Miag-ao, Iloilo held a peace rally to condemn the attacks, recruitment of minors and extortion activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Dubbed as “Let Us Walk Together for a Peaceful Community,” the activity was held in Barangay San Jose on Oct. 7.

According to the Philippine Army‘s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID), the people blasted the CPP-NPA for hampering peace and development.

Army Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, commanding officer of the 3ID’s 61st Infantry Battalion, said the rally showed that communist terrorists were no longer welcome in the two barangays.

“I encourage everyone to get involved and be part of the solution. Neutrality and being silent about this issue will definitely favor the tormentor and not the tormented. I thank everyone for making a bold stand denouncing the rebels,” Batara said.

Part of the rally was a testimony of a former rebel. “Jimmy” said he was made to believe that the government was corrupt and armed revolution was the only solution.

He also revealed that he experienced hunger and sleep deprivation because of their endless walking and hiking in the mountains.

Meanwhile, Mayor Macario Napulan of Miag-ao called on his constituents to report to authorities if they are victims of rebels’ harassment.

“Do not be hesitant, do not have doubts. Our AFP is here. Local government officials of our town are here, and they are showing their full support,” he said.

https://www.panaynews.net/miag-ao-villagers-hold-peace-rally-vs-reds/