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Surigao Sur residents condemn 50 years of CPP-NPA atrocities

By Alexander Lopez

November 3, 2019, 3:06 pm

<p><strong>SENSELESS KILLINGS.</strong> Representatives from various sectors in Surigao del Sur join the 36th Infantry Battalion in a symbolic candle-lighting and condemnation of the 50 years of deceptions and killings committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army. The ceremony was held in Tago, Surigao del Sur in time for the celebration of All Souls' Day on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. <em>(Photo courtesy of CMO, 36IB, PA)</em></p>

SENSELESS KILLINGS. Representatives from various sectors in Surigao del Sur join the 36th Infantry Battalion in a symbolic candle-lighting and condemnation of the 50 years of deceptions and killings committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army. The ceremony was held in Tago, Surigao del Sur in time for the celebration of All Souls' Day on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. (Photo courtesy of CMO, 36IB, PA)

BUTUAN CITY -- Various sectors from different towns of Surigao del Sur joined the Philippine Army in a symbolic gathering and condemnation of the 50 years of deceptions and killings perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

Former rebels, representatives from the youth sector, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), and the families and friends of those killed by the NPA converged with the elements of 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) in a candle-lighting activity on Saturday (Nov. 2) in Tago, Surigao del Sur.

In a statement on Sunday (Nov. 3), Army's 36th IB Civil-Military Operations (CMO) chief, 1Lt. Jonald D. Romorosa, said the activity was facilitated to remember all the fallen heroes who perished in the 50 years of inept, futile and hopeless armed struggle of the CPP-NPA.

Romorosa added participants remembered civilians, IP leaders, CAFGU (Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit) members, political leaders, and even NPA members who died in years of fruitless war by the communist movement in Surigao del Sur.

The participants also condemned the continued atrocities and violence committed by the CPP-NPA in different areas of the province and the Caraga Region.

Bae Magdalena Gano was among those who joined the solemn activity on Friday and expressed resentment against the terror activities of the CPP-NPA in the area.

Gano, an IP leader and former NPA member, condemned the harassment done by the NPAs in IP communities in Surigao del Sur, as well as the killings of IP leaders.

“I hope that justice will prevail to those who were killed especially to my IP brother and sisters. As an ambassador of truth, I will stand and seek justice for those souls who are still crying for justice,” Gano said.

Among the killings condemned during the activity was that of the IP CAFGU member who was abducted and murdered by the communist rebels in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.

Last May 30, seven civilians, including minors and mostly IP members from Barangay Mampi, Lanuza town were abducted by NPA members in Sitio Banahao, Maitom, Tandag City.

All the abducted IP civilians were released by the NPAs several days later except for IP CAFGU member and former rebel Ryard Badiang, 24, a resident of Ibuan, Barangay Mampi, Lanuza.

After days of search and rescue, elements of 36IB found Badiang’s decomposing body in Sitio Banahao, Barangay Maitum in Tandag City on June 14, 2019.

The killing of Badiang was condemned by various sectors in Surigao del Sur, including the local government units in the area.

“Fifty years of futile armed struggle have not solved any of our problems. It has caused more problems for our society and brought senseless deaths and miseries to hundreds of thousands of Filipinos and destroyed the future of the Filipino youth,” Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, acting commander of 36IB, said in a statement on Saturday.

Diagmel also asked for prayers for the souls of those who offered their ultimate sacrifice for the country.

He said “killings will not solve our problems” which is why he is appealing to the remaining NPA rebels to lay down their arms and return to the comfort of their families and friends.

“Live peacefully and take care of your children as they grow and become productive members of the community,” Diagmel added. (PNA)

 

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