The rallies were spearheaded by village officials, peace advocates, Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC) and tribal warriors, members of the people's organizations, religious, business, and youth sectors.
Also joined the rally are the civilian populace who rejected the communist terrorist group (CTG) in the four barangays of San Fernando, Bukidnon; Barangay Magwawa in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte; and Barangay Salapawan in Paquibato District, this city.
During the activity, the communities burned the CTG flag and conducted candle lighting in honor of those who were killed and victimized by the group’s violence.
Lt. Col. Rowel M Tabas, Philippine Army’s 89th Infantry Battalion under 10th Infantry Division in a statement said, the people have already spoken with the placards they paraded within their vicinity and expressing their sentiments denouncing the 55 years of unjust killings, destruction of properties, extortion, and other lawless activities disturbing the peace in communities.
Indigenous Peoples (IP) leader and former NPA supporter Datu Lito Gambay, thanked the government troops for unwavering efforts made after they surrendered to the folds of law.
Gambay underscores the government's sincerity through livelihood projects, schools, infrastructures, and buildings to help them start anew.
The 10th ID, meanwhile, vows to strengthen the campaign against CTG to destroy the remaining communist NPA in Bukidnon province and prevent a resurgence in the Davao Region.
Photos from 10th ID