RESIDENTS of Misamis Oriental town of Claveria held an indignation rally against the communist New People’s Army (NPA) over the burning of civilian trucks, equipment and hampering their livelihood, military officials said Saturday.
Even workers from Del Monte Phils Inc. (DMPI), local populace of Barangays Bulahan and Tipolohon gathered Friday, as they voiced out their sentiments condemning the atrocity made by the communist rebels.
Army's 4th Infantry Division's spokesman and public affairs chief Major Rodulfo Cordero said the military expressed support to the move of local residents in the area, which was led by the local government.
“We laud the efforts of the LGU and civilians for condemning the atrocity made by the communist terrorists," said Cordero.
This is the right time to be united and stand against the abuses and violence of the communist NPA terrorists, according to Cordero.
"Claveria residents "are peace-loving people and do not deserve to be terrorized just to force them to support the communists’ twisted ideology,” Cordero said.
At the covered court of Brgy Bulahan, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, among the participants attended were the affected workers of Del Monte Philippines Inc.
Also attended were local officials of Claveria town headed by mayor Meraluna Abrogar, firm's representatives, town’s police and Army's 58th Infantry Battalion officials.
Cordero said the activity aimed to empower the community to be united and have a firm stand not to support the NPAs including any of its organizations.
According to the workers and the local populace, they are being tired and disturbed by the continuous exploitation of the terrorist groups.
They urged the communist rebels to stop their deception, destruction and to include victimizing innocent people.
We are condemning the highest possible terrorists for burning the civilian equipment and hampering their livelihood, they said.
“Karon kay gisunog nila ang mga equipo sa Del Monte, wala nami kabalo unsaon na pagbuhi among pamilya kay mao ra gyud kini ang among panginabuhi,” said Jonathan Labadan, a worker of DMPI.
“We should not be threatened by these rebels,” town mayor Abrogar said, to the workers, I will get down to my knees and ask Del Monte to return you to work.
Abrogar asked the workers to help her and the government and show the terrorists that they are not scared of them.
“Let us be ready to struggle towards the life we want for our families especially for our children. Let us join hands to end this local communist armed conflict,” said Abrogar.
58IB commander Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy said they will conduct no-let up operations to keep the pressure for the remaining NPAs to surrender to 58IB.
“Now, we know the truth that the rebels only bring misery in our lives. They are just obstacles to attaining lasting and inclusive peace in our country,” said Canatoy.
The LGUs and partner agencies (if they surrendered) could help them towards a better chance in life, Canatoy said.
At the end of the program, a symbolic burning of the terrorist groups’ flags was held condemning the different atrocities of the CPP-NPA. (Ben Balce)
