SOME 700 Dabawenyos gathered Tuesday, March 27, at the Rizal Park for a peace rally led by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Colonel Ernesto C. Torres, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, said the number of participants is very encouraging since their support to the peace and development efforts and denunciation of the Communist Party of the Philippines is evident.

"They came from all over Davao City and some are as far as Davao del Norte, North Cotabato" he said.

He said that with the activity they expect that they can send message to those who did not surrender yet, that many active members of the NPA, local parties, plain supporters are now expressing their intention to turn their back on communist ideology and support the government because they realize that with it comes hope for progress.

The rally was also attended by members of Indigenous People (IPs) and students.