PEACE RALLY. Residents of Barangays Sta. Rosa, Amayco and Pandanon Silos in Murcia, Negros Occidental hold a peace rally on Thursday (June 25, 2020), condemning the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army and its political wing, the National Democratic Front. The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion welcomed the support of the residents of the three villages towards the move to end the local communist armed conflict. (Photo courtesy of 79th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)
BACOLOD CITY -- Villagers in two municipalities in northern Negros have joined in condemning the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF).
On Thursday, residents of Barangays Sta. Rosa, Amayco and Pandanon Silos in Murcia town staged a rally calling for peace in their communities due to reported activities of the communist-terrorist group.
Lt. Col. Gerard Alvaran, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), welcomed the support of the residents of the three villages towards the move to end the local communist armed conflict.
“This clearly shows that the peace-loving residents of Murcia can no longer endure the suffering they’ve been experiencing because of the atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA terrorists. They want to enjoy living in a peaceful community,” he added.
Alvaran said they will continue to collaborate with the local government units and other stakeholders to help the communities become resilient against the communist-terrorist group, which he tagged as peace spoilers.
After the Murcia residents held a peace rally, they attended a pulong-pulong (general meeting) with village heads Larry Alvarez of Sta. Rosa, Glenda Carba of Amayco, and Edna Saldo of Pandanon Silos; Councilor Hernan Alintanan, president of Association of Barangay Captains; troops of 79IB; and personnel of Murcia Municipal Police Station headed by Maj. Robert Dejucos.
“With the continued support and participation of the people of Murcia in our campaign against terrorism, we can achieve an insurgency-free and peaceful society,” Alvaran said.
Meanwhile, residents of General Luna village in Toboso town declared the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non-grata through a barangay resolution.
On June 16, the barangay officials led by village chief Efren Madajoyan and troops of 79IB mounted a tarpaulin at the covered court expressing the sentiment of the residents against the communist-terrorist group.
Alvaran lauded the determination of the officials and residents of General Luna to stand against the CPP-NPA-NDF.
“This is a bold step towards ending insurgency and secure lasting peace and unhampered development in their area,” he said. (PNA)
