DIFFERENT farmers groups in Barangay E. Lopez, Silay City have staged a “peaceful rally” Saturday, October 2, 2021, to denounce the violence and atrocities allegedly committed by the New People's Army (NPA).
Members of the Hacienda Cumabat Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (Hacuarba), Hacienda Mariano D. Farmers and Farm Workers Association (Hamadffwa), Hacienda Vista Alegre Farmers and Farm Workers Association (Havaffwa and Hacienda Gretchen Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (Hagarba) marched along the main thoroughfares of the barangay.
They carried placards with messages calling on the communist insurgents to stop terrorism activities in their communities.
They also stressed their sentiments and resistance against the rebel group.
The farmers pledged allegiance to the Philippine Government before Captain of Media Gallego of Barangay E. Lopez.
Replicas of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) flag were also burned to show that terrorists are not welcome in their village.
In his message, Gilbert Bautista, a former member of the National Federation of Sugar Workers but now chairman of Havaffwa, thanked the 79 Infantry Battalion for helping their association to avail themselves of the programs of the government.
Bautista urged his fellow farmers to avoid being used again by the communist terrorist groups and their allied organizations.
"Wala na ako sing plano na mag balik sa ginhalinan ko. Kontento na ako. Indi na kailangan mo singgit pa kita sa city hall na 'Bugas! Bugas! Hindi Armas!' kay ari na ang programa sa gobyerno. Gin daho na nila sa aton. Batuna nyo,” he said.
(I don't intend to return to where I came from as I am already contented. We don’t need to shout and seek rice instead of firearms in front of the city hall because the government already provided us programs, we just need to accept them.)
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, commanding officer of 79th Infantry "Masaligan" Battalion, lauded the efforts of the community in condemning the rebels.
Javines said the pledge to withdraw their support from the armed group is already a bold step towards ending the insurgency.
“It may seem usual and insignificant to conduct condemnation rallies but for people who were once victimized by the deceptions and threats of rebels, participating in these kinds of activities is more than enough to show their clamor and earnest desire to live in a place where peace and development prosper,” he added.
"Let us work together in winning over any threat that hinders peace and progress in your communities," the army official added.