TACLOBAN CITY – Various sectors in Eastern Visayas, under the Eastern Visayas Peace Builders and Development Federation, once again called for the rejection of armed struggles during a lightning peace rally held on Wednesday, April 23.
The rally was organized in connection with the 52nd anniversary of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
A total of 59 representatives from various groups, including women, youth, farmers, workers, urban poor, teachers, small business owners, government employees, and professionals, attended the rally to express their support for peace over violence.
Alma Gabin, president of the former rebels in the region, emphasized that the NDFP has no reason to celebrate. She pointed out that many former organizers have returned to the government and voluntarily abandoned the armed struggle. She further stated that the public is now more supportive of peace than of continued conflict and violence.
Paul Escalona, president of the Tacloban Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association (IPDWA), condemned the presence of Makabayan bloc senatorial candidates and the Bayan Muna party-list, who are currently campaigning in the region ahead of the mid-term elections.
Escalona accused these left-leaning groups of using their campaign presence to recruit people and bolster their strength and resources for the armed struggle.
He called for their rejection, urging voters not to support these groups in the upcoming elections.
The rally was a call for unity and peace, urging the people of Eastern Visayas to choose a future free from violence and armed conflict.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
