ABOUT 800 cyclists from 66 different biker groups in Pampanga participated over the weekend in the Bike for Peace and Justice.
The bike run aims to call for peace and justice for all the victims of human rights abuses and condemn the alleged atrocities of the Communist-Terrorist Groups (CTGs), including the killing of cousins Kieth and Nolven Absalon in Masbate.
Governor Dennis Pineda underscored the need of educating the people, especially the youth, on the threats of the CTGs, and enlightening them that the government is which they should seek help from.
“The province is already developed, and we do not need these kinds of brutalities here. Do we want a province in chaos? Do we want our youth to join these groups? We do not want that. What we need is education for our children, and not arms and weapons. That is our call,” he said.
Pineda urged Kapampangans to take part in aiding the Provincial Government in ending communist insurgency in Pampanga.
Meanwhile, Army 70th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Eugene Garce appealed to the participants to band together in reaching the true essence of peace for the continuous development of the nation.
“We are here to condemn the wrongdoings of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front in the killing of our innocent countrymen, who have nothing to do in their issues with the government,” he said.
For his part, Police Provincial Director Thomas Ibay said he hopes that the call for justice and peace for all illegal activities done by the CTGs should not end in the cycling activity, and be manifested consistently.
The Absalons were blasted by improvised explosive landmines while cycling, and were also shot in Barangay Anas in Masbate on June 2 by NPA elements who took full responsibility for their deaths.
In support of the event, Candaba Bikers member Bienvenido Gatus shared his regrets for the death of Kieth, who is a most valuable football player, and a potential member of the national team.
“I saw the story of the kid who was killed by a landmine, and I felt pity for him. He is an athlete just like the rest of us, who strives every day to strengthen his body. He is an image of sports who represents us. The kid’s life just got to waste. We joined here to be the voices to call for justice for him,” he said.
The 13-kilometer route for the cycling event started from Provincial Capitol Grounds up to Sta. Rita Ecopark.