ILOILO City – Residents and officials of Barangay Lahug, Tapaz, Capiz is seeking peace.
Jobelyn Giganto, village chief, and councilwomen Rowela Sumaria and Rosel Olido recently spoke out against the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for alleged atrocities.
Giganto said the “brutal” activities of the rebels brought fear among her residents.
“Ang pumoluyo nakulba-an kun ano ang himuon nila,” Giganto said in a recorded video.
“Sa mga NPA, kun ginhimo naman ninyo daya, gina paabot ko kaninyo nga tama dun nga pag paantos kanamon…Daw mabuang na kami. Gusto namon maglinong kag magtawhay amon nga barangay,” she added.
Sumaria, meanwhile, shared how members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines helped and supported the barangay.
“Mayad tana ang Army nagabulig. Sa tanan nga bagay naga-support sanda,” she said.
“Kanugon lang sang pagpakaon namon sa inyo,” Sumaria lamented. “Tungod nga nahadlok man kami kaninyo napakaon namon kamo… tapos amo na ibalos n’yo sa tawo di.”
Olido appealed to the NPA to cease their threats on the community, saying it was better for the rebels to lay down arms.
“Ginapangabay ko sa mga NPA nga daad untatatan ron nanda ang inaway kay bukot amo daya ang panan-aw sang military kanamon, kundi kalinongan kag katawhayan,” said Olido.
Brigadier General Marion Sison, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, lauded the officials for condemning the actions of the rebels.
“The strong and bold principles of these village officials will be our motivation and inspiration in performing our mandate and duties to protect the communities, not only in the municipality of Tapaz but in the whole Panay and Guimaras Islands,” Sison said./PN
