Baguio youth, advocates condemn CPP atrocities
BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- Local youth and other stakeholders condemned the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines on its 54th anniversary during the Peace Convention on Monday, December 26, at the Malcom Square in this city.
The Peace Convention was spearheaded by the 5th Civil-Military Operations Battalion with the Youth for Peace-Baguio Chapter, the Police Regional Office – Cordillera (PRO-Cor), Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), former rebels, and other advocates for peace.
Alias Kira, a former rebel, unmasked the left leaning organizations on her testimony. She shared her experience as a former member of Migrante International for six years before she joined the armed group- the New People's Army.
"Naging miyembro ako ng grupong sumusuporta sa NPA sa loob ng anim na taon bago ako ipinasampa upang maging miyembro ng NPA. Mapagbalat-kayo ang CPP-NPA-NDF. Napakagaling nilang magmanipula hanggang sa masira nila ang buhay ng kanilang biktima!" alias Kira said
5th CMO Battalion Commander LtC Dominador Valerio said that the activity is part of the continuous appeal to the victims of the deceptive recruitment of the CPP-NPA-NDF to return to the fold of the law.
"You are now given the time and opportunity to return to the folds of the law. Your family is waiting for you. Wishing for your return this holiday season," Valerio said.
He also stressed that the Army is an ally of the people in attaining inclusive peace and development.
Meanwhile, Fr. Adonis Bringas from the OPAPPRU emphasized that it is now high time for the people to change for development, change for progress and change for peace. He said the change needed for development and progress in the country could be attained not thru violent ways or atrocities but thru peaceful means.
Bringas also encouraged the youth to veer away from violence and atrocities and fulfill what Dr. Jose Rizal said that the “youth are the hope of the nation” and who will provide a better future for the country.
"It is high time to embrace change. Change for the better and for the common good. We can attain peace when we are brave to let go of the things that hinder us. Iwaksi natin ang mga mapanlinlang na katuruan na nagdadala sa atin sa kapahamakan at kahirapan," Fr Bringas said.
The activity was held during the 54th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines and was capped by a peace concert rally and cultural presentation. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR) (5ID/CMO photos)
