City of Mati, Davao Oriental – Thousands of people in Davao Oriental joined a “Peace Rally” on March 29 that denounced “terroristic acts” by the Communist New People’s Army rebels.
Before converging at the Provincial Capitol, the peace rallyists filled the main thoroughfares of the City of Mati as they made their way to the Capitol. Bearing placards that earnestly called on the Communist insurgents to “stop terrorism” in their communities, the peace rallyists says they were “greatly inspired” by the actions of President Rodrigo Duterte to effectively end the decades-long Communist insurgency that never know when to stop.
“We are poor, and we are the hardest hit of this long-running insurgency. Many of us helpless civilians were being caught in the crossfire. We are defenseless, we don’t have firearms to defend ourselves, to defend our communities. The presence of the New People’s Army in our communities brought much problems to us. Our communities have become their battlefield, killing so many innocent people,” says 64-year-old farmer Amelito Masasahon of the town of Baganga.
“They are terrorizing us for many years. Many innocent lives including those of children have been wasted already. Their presence only brings misery to our lives. Worst, they have been milking us of our hard-earned money,” says 58-yeard Apolinario Dahing of Cateel town.
“Fortunately, we now have a President who is serious in ending this insurgency. We expect no development if their presence continue in our communities. No business enterprises would flourish in our communities as they are being victimized by extortion. Our miserable plight would continue to worsen if the government would not stop these terrorist rebels,” says 32-year old Julie Mae Sandanas.
The Peace Rally in the province was held as the Communist New People’s Army celebrated their foundation anniversary on March 29. Joining the Peace Rally are the former Communist rebels, people’s organizations, youth groups, government workers and church people in the province.
The province’s chief executive, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, has declared March 29 as the Provincial Day of Public Service. The governor who spoke at the Peace Rally says “beautiful development” awaits his province as he lauded his constituents for “speaking aloud” for peace in their communities.
“Maghiusa kita. Atong angkonon ang kalambuan sa atong mahal nga probinsya sa Davao Oriental (Let us unite. Let us make real progress in our beloved province of Davao Oriental),” says Governor Dayanghirang.
He says his people are earnestly longing for an end to violent conflict, citing a big turnout of insurgents who intend to choose to take the road to peace by pursuing political and social change without the use of arms. As he enumerated his numerous high-impact infrastructure projects, the reelectionist Governor Dayanghirang who is running unopposed says he believed the armed conflict can be resolved by building mutual trust and understanding.
He pointed out several positive strides that have been made in the name of peace, among them is the Capitol-run Happy Home that is envisioned to be the beginning of sincere dialogue towards resolving the armed conflict without resorting to the use of arms. “Let us always speak up and be heard and join the journey of peace, and reap the fruits of peace in the future. Let us always make space for men, women and children to live their lives in peace, in abundance, in faith,” says Governor Dayanghirang.
The provincial government in close coordination with the local military and police and all government agencies has implemented to great success its flagship program Nagkakaisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental Barangay Outreach Caravan. The flagship program saw the provincial government, the military, police and all government agencies cooperating in bringing development programs and projects to far-flung areas especially those called GIDAs or Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas which are far from vital government and private resources. These inaccessible areas became perfect refuge for rebel group as they felt safe in these areas that eventually became their nerve center from which rebel forces in the region are directed.
Local government officials who spoke at the huge Peace Rally here are City of Mati Mayor Carlo Luis Rabat, Police Provincial Director Senior Supt. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV; DILG Provincial Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga; and Col. Manuel Sequitin, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade. Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan, Rhea Shane Laureano
