BORONGAN CITY (PIA) -- The provincial government of Eastern Samar joined the nationwide "Bike for Peace and Justice" with more than 200 bikers on July 17.
The bikers pedaled some 24 kilometers as they started at Baybay Boulevard towards the Borongan City Airport and back.
Eastern Samar Tourism Officer Neil Pinarok gathered some 213 bikers to a united call for peace and justice.
DILG Eastern Samar head Visitacion Giva said the event coincided with the 40th day of Keith Absalon, the athlete-biker who died as he was blasted by landmines by NPAs.
The NPAs assumed responsibility for the death of Absalon and his cousin.
A prayer for the eternal repose of the souls of the Absalon cousins started the event where participants from DILG, DTI, PIA, the army, PNP, the city and the provincial government, DAR, DPWH, DepEd, TESDA, and other line agencies held lighted candles with blue ribbons.
In his message, Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda called on all CPP-NPA-NDF to surrender.
“The city is open for you to turn a new leaf and live peacefully,” Agda said.
Lt. Col. Lenart Lelina, the deputy commander of the 801st Brigade also added that there are plenty of programs that the government offers for those who will turn their back on the CPP-NPA-NDF.
Just a few days ago, 34 former rebels/surrenderers received financial assistance from the PLGU E. Samar through the provincial social welfare and development office.
The event was held nationwide with thousands of bikers calling to end the violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and hopefully to usher peace. (NBQ/PIA E. Samar)
