BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Upland residents of Isabela and Binalbagan in Negros Occidental came out into open and condemned killings perpetrated by the New People’s Army in central Negros, and also vowed to protect their respective communities.
The 62nd Infantry Battalion reported that 317 Indigenous People and residents of Brgy. San Agustin in Isabela, participated in the Local Peace Engagement and condemnation rally on March 18, to denounce the 53 years of brutal killings, extortion, recruitment of minors, sowing chaos and destruction of civilian properties by the CPP-NPA.
Maj. Alenel Valles, 62IB Executive Officer, disclosed that the activity was highlighted by the symbolic burning of NPA flag by residents of San Agustin in Isabela.
San Agustin barangay captain Marybell Rendon led the “Panumpa sa Kalinong” which was followed by offering prayers and candle lighting for the victims of NPA atrocities and human rights victims.
Rendon said she is thankful to the Philippine Army and Isabela PNP for their effort in maintaining the peace and order in their barangay, as she condemned the NPA atrocities.
She also asked families and friends of NPA to help her in persuading them to surrender.
On the other hand, an estimated 150 residents of Brgy. Bi-ao in Binalbagan also joined the peace rally in the barangay on March 15.
The villagers also condemned the killings and atrocities of the CPP-NPA, where they were joined by the 94th Infantry Battalion and Binalbagan Police Station.
Two policemen were injured in a road side bombing on February 13 in Brgy. Bi-ao, Binalbagan, that claimed by the NPA.*
