Kalinaw News: ‘Heal Our Broken Land’: The Surigaonons’ Plea Against the NPA’s Atrocities

From Kalinaw News (Feb 7, 2021): ‘Heal Our Broken Land’: The Surigaonons’ Plea Against the NPA’s Atrocities



KITCHARAO, Agusan del Norte- Town residents in Sison, Surigao del Norte who were frequently harassed by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) boldly stood up against the group’s terror activities and organized an intensified information caravan and prayer assembly on February 5, 2020, at the Sison Municipal Hall.

After suffering in successive years from the atrocities committed by the CNTs and observing the effects of these to their area and their people, the residents realized that it was high time for them to stand against these CNTs and prevent them from inflicting evil and extorting residents.

So, with the efforts of the 29th Infantry (Matatag Fighters) Battalion under the 901st Infantry Brigade, partnering with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) of Region 10 headed by Dir. Manuel Orduña, the Philippine National Police, and the Municipal Local Government Unit of Sison led by the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Karissa Fetalvero-Paronia, the information caravan and prayer assembly were successfully held.

Likewise, said activity was attended by the respective Brgy Captains, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairpersons, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members, some business owners, and other civilian residents of the locality.

During the caravan, personnel from NICA tackled the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 70, the NPA’s process of recruitment, and the Anti-Terrorism Act. Alias @No name, a former rebel who has surrendered to the government supplemented the discussion by testifying about his harrowing experience at the hands of the NPA. The civilians then followed by expressing their great distress and fear arising from the CNT’s recent attack in their area. The attendees then concluded the event with prayer through candle lighting and mass singing of the song entitled ‘Heal our Land’.

Mayor Karissa Fetalvero-Paronia emphatically said, “Angay pa ba kitang magpaka-hilom? Magpakahilom kay nahadlok? Naningkamot mi ug muhangyo mi sa inyo. Barog Sison! Minusan nato atong fear nga mahimo ninyo ug kusog. Para mutindog kita sa kaayohan, sa atong lungsod. Dili ta muundang sa pagsagop ug paghunong aning insurhensiya.” (Do we need to stay silent? Stay silent and be scared? We are doing our best and we are asking you. Stand up, Sison! We need to transform our fear to become our strength. We need to stand up for the good of our municipality. We will not stop ending this insurgency and saving our municipality.)

Moreover, Lt. Col. Aristotle F Antonio, Commanding Officer of 29IB said, “We know that you are all fed up with the recurring incidents of violence perpetrated by these evil terrorists. We know that such has caused trauma and instilled fear in most of you. We know that, and we understand your feelings but we are not going to let ourselves be overtaken by fear. We will not remain silent, and will not allow the NPA to abuse and exploit you. No! Enough is enough. They must be stopped. You can cut them off from your area if you want to. Stop feeding them. Stop supporting them. The time will come when they will surely starve and just leave. From then on, you will regain your land, free from terror and where peace and progress will abide.”

“We will help you bring back the peace in your area. But you must help your chosen leaders as well. Stand boldly together as one against the destructive NPAs, and if you do, surely your land which has been broken will once again be healed,” Antonio assured.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/heal-our-broken-land-the-surigaonons-plea-against-the-npas-atrocities/