MAASIN CITY (PIA) -- Nearly 200 cyclists and cycling enthusiasts who joined the simultaneous nationwide bike for peace and justice activity on Saturday, July 17, in this city hit the road with a message that is both stimulating and inspiring: be messengers of peace and justice.

In a short program at the city gym canopy, City Councilor Zaldy Olita, who is in-charge of the Sports Committee of the city council, told the participating bikers that while biking for fun and exercise, they can also serve as sharers of vital information.

“As you traverse our mountain barangays for cross-country rides, you may pick up some important input along the way, as our interior hinterlands are reportedly transit points, where our fellow Filipino brothers from the other side reportedly pass through,” Olita said, speaking in the local language and in behalf of Mayor Nacional Mercado.

“Report to authorities anything unusual you may encounter, in order for our city to maintain being peaceful and free of insurgents,” Olita added.

He said that while the event was declared in dedication to the 40th day after the death of cyclists Keith and Novelen Absalon in Masbate due to a landmine planted by communist terrorists, it might as well be a call to action, to denounce atrocities committed by the CPP-NDF-NPA.

The city government is one with the organizers, the bikers’ groups, national/regional and local task forces ELCAC, in fully supporting the bike for peace and justice activity, Olita said.

He was grateful for the support of the two local bikers’ group, the Way Bijaay led by Joey Alcober, and Maasin Cycling Club headed by Bong Capao, other biking enthusiasts from PNP, BFP, and private individuals, saying their participation was highly appreciated. (LDL/MMP/PIA-8/Southern Leyte)