DAVAO ORIENTAL — Following the recently conducted first Community Healing that took place at Sitio Sigang, Barangay Maragatas in Lupon, Davao Oriental, the same process dubbed “Pagkadayaw ng Dubdub at Dumdum” was organized at one of the vulnerable sitios in the province – Sitio Logdeck in the same barangay.
More than 120 former NPA supporters including nine former NPA rebels from four different communities under the Logdeck Cluster underwent the process that follows the Christian doctrine for six days starting December 14.
In the first two days of the Community Healing, “Lola”, a former member of the CPP-NPA-NDF, who was leading the healing process focused on getting the people to open up and admit their guilt for what they have done in the past that is against the government.
In the succeeding days, the intervention revolved around getting the trust of the former mass supporters and making them pledge not to do the same mistake as well as taking the oath of allegiance to the Philippine Flag, the Constitution, and the Philippine government.
The 6-day community healing process ended on December 19.
During the closing ceremony, “Lola” expressed her confidence that the former mass supporters have finally committed to support the government and turn their backs on the communist-terrorist group New People’s Army.
One of the highlights of the activity was having nine (9) former rebels from Sitio Logdeck officially conceded and gave testimonies of their experiences being in the rebel group for years.
“We were compelled to follow by heart simple living, but with an intense will to fight,” Lola said, sharing how life had been for them as members of the terrorist group.
Lola also mentioned how the government has always played the biggest role in sustaining the development in people’s reawakening.
“These people (former NPA supporters) need you in time of their healing as much as you need them. I am advocating that we work together,” she said.
Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Vice-Chairman Mr. Ednar Dayanghirang graced the event and promised that the provincial government of Davao Oriental will continue to work with the people of Logdeck and other sitios that are considered vulnerable to the recruitment of the terrorist group.
He emphasized that through President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70, the voices of the people from disadvantaged areas are more heard now than ever. The government is now reaching out to them so they do not feel left out of the developments that used to be showered only in urban areas.
“We have a lot of plans for this community,” Mr. Dayanghirang said. “We will not end by telling you the government is here, instead, we will make you feel the government’s presence by bringing the services to your community.”
Bidding goodbye to the residents who have given her their trust and shared with her their stories, Lola also emphasized that the former NPA supporters of Sitio Logdeck and the nine surrenderers should start recognizing who they are now and forget what they once were.
“You were victims who have become survivors. Forget being labeled as ‘former rebels’ or ‘former NPA supporters’ and start viewing yourselves as active partners in nation-building because by being here, you are not just mere observers but active actors in promoting peace,” Lola concluded. By Shaye Dacles
