Call for peace snowballs as torch passed around LGUs

THE torch of peace being passed around the different localities in the province has resulted to the snowballing of the call against violence and an end to the insurgency, especially in Negros countryside.

Colonel Oscar Lactao, 303rd Brigade Commander, said that the Torch Peace Relay being undertaken as part of the nationwide Peace Consciousness Month celebration is the first of its kind held in Negros and even in the entire country.

The torch relay kicked off Monday, September 17, 2012 from the farthest locality in southern Negros in Hinobaan town simultaneous with that in San Carlos City, the northernmost city in the province.

Lactao said the Torches of Peace from both ends were passed on to every LGU along the way until they will reach the Provincial Capitol here on Friday, September 21, 2012.

He said that the activity was participated by the local government units, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army.

Lactao said that students also lined up along the road to welcome the torch as it passes their locality.

He said the rationale for this is to further increase awareness that peace is the concern of everybody, not just the police and the military.

On Friday, September 21, retired Army general Jovenal Narcisi carrying another Torch of Peace will lead a marathon starting from San Carlos City at 2 a.m. and will pass through the Don Salvador Benedicto national highway in time for the converging of the said torch from the southern and northern parts of the province at the Capitol Lagoon at 6 p.m.

The three torches then will be handed over to Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra, and Undersecretary Teresita Deles, who will in turn light the provincial torch of peace.

The activity will mark the culmination of the Peace Consciousness celebration, Lactao said. (Teresa D. Ellera)