BACOLOD City– At least 1,000 residents of Isabela, Negros Occidental gathered to march in solidarity for peace and against terroristic activities.
Town mayor Irene Montilla said the movement dubbed “walk for peace” condemns the presence of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in their municipality. The gathering was held at the town plaza on Nov. 19.
People from all walks of life, including barangay officials, teachers, students, and law enforcers, have joined the event to denounce the atrocities of the CPP-NPA and its political front, the National Democratic Front (NDF).
“This is the time to end the chaos and damage brought by these groups with false ideology. To my constituents, we should never again allow ourselves to be deceived by the NPA. Let us stand by our guided principle, which is to bring peace to this municipality,” Montilla stressed.
Montilla she said peace is needed to draw investors and help bring progress to the central Negros town, thanking her constituents for their cooperation.
During the program, municipal and barangay leaders were joined by officials of the Philippine Army, various government agencies, and representatives of the religious sector in the ceremonial signing of the resolution declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata.
The resolution, approved by the Municipal Council on Oct. 18, stated that the constituents of Isabela condemn all forms of terrorism, uphold their allegiance and support to the government in its fight against terrorism, and renounce the association and affiliation of some of its members with the CPP-NPA.
“The peace-loving people of Isabela must take a stand against the presence of communist terrorist groups to show our sincerity and support to the call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to once and for all, end the communist insurgency in our country,” it added.
“The CPP-NPA-NDF is now officially condemned and deemed unwelcome in Isabela, Negros Occidental because of their atrocities, criminal acts, and violations of international humanitarian laws,” according to the resolution. (With a report from PNA/PN)
