Kalinga villagers stage rally against insurgents

By Peter Balocnit

PINUKPUK, Kalinga -- The community of Ammacian of this municipality recently staged a walk for peace denouncing the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)
    With the theme “Lakad Tungo sa Kapayapaan, Iwaksi ang Terrorismo at Karahasan”, residents led by barangay chairman Roman Salucon, local officials and villagers marched around the community in solidarity for peace with banners condemning activities of the CPP-NPA-NDF.
    They gathered at the plaza where they burned an effigy of CPP founder Joma Sison and images of known NPA leaders from Kalinga; signed a covenant of support and pledge of commitment to the government.
    The activity was a local initiative in support to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in partnership with the 50thInfantry Battalion through the Philippine Army’s Community Support Program.
    Salucon and retired Army Col. Basilio Bayog shared their experiences especially to the youth participants related to the CPP-NPA-NDF in the 1980’s and 1990’s. 
    The speakers cited effects of NPA presence and peaceful memories Kalinga experienced when there were no NPAs.  
    Municipal administrator engineer Danzel Langkit said “the intensified operations of the Army, efforts of the Municipal Task Force ELCAC and full support of the community will sure bring an end to this conflict”.
    50thIB commanding officer Lt. Col. Allan Espela urged communities to rally against the communist groups.
    The indignation rally was joined by the youth led by Sanngguniang Kabataan chairman Sheryll Mae Lammawin,   Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative and Kalinga-Apayao Youth Organization. – PIA Kalinga