TARLAC CITY -- Farmers of the 11 villages of Hacienda Luisita gathered on Wednesday, November 20, to promote peace and harmony as the community marks the 15th anniversary of an infamous massacre in the area.

Balete village chief Ernesto Pingol said the activity, dubbed as “Prayer for Peace and Harmony, Paggunita sa Hacienda Luisita” seeks to remember and pray for the souls of the famers’ departed loved ones.

“Let us be in unison. The government is here, bringing themselves in person for peace,” he told the attendees.

For his part, former farmer’s group chairperson Florida Sibayan urged his fellow farmers to push for peace, forgiveness and change.

“No more conflict. Let us unite. Let us forgive. The situation now is different. We now see what the government is doing for us. We see change that is why let us embrace it and unite as one,” Sibayan said.

Activities during the event include a mass, ceremonial candle lighting and releasing of white balloons as a demonstration of love and peace.

Other attendees in the event are personnel from the Provincial government of Tarlac, Tarlac Police Provincial Office, Army 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and Armed Forces of the Philippines 1st Civil Relations Group. (PIA-Central Luzon)