Negros Occidental and Bacolod City joined the rest of the country in the nationwide bike-for-a-cause activity called “Bike for Peace and Justice” Saturday, July 17.
The Bacolod activity, participated in by about 180 bike enthusiasts, was spearheaded by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and was led by PMaj. Sherlock Gabana, officer-in-charge of the City Community Affairs and Development Unit, under the supervision of city director PCol. Manuel Placido, a press release from the Bacolod Public Information Office said.
Gabana said the bike-for-a-cause activity on Saturday marked the 40th day after cyclists Kieth and Novelen Absalon were murdered by Communists terrorists.
The advocacy aims to call for peace and justice for all the victims of terrorists, he said.
The Bacolod activity was concluded with a clean-up drive in the shoreline of Barangay Punta Taytay, and a covenant signing, also held in the same barangay.
Joining the activity aside from the BCPO personnel were 79th IB Philippine Army personnel, Bacolod City Government employees, members of BCPO Force Multipliers Federation, Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terrorismo, BCPO Life Coach Association, and WPR/COPS Brigade Rescue Group, and other Bacolodnon bike enthusiasts belonging to various cycling groups.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia was represented by Councilor Lady Gles Pallen, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay, who was joined by Councilor Ayesha Joy Villaflor, SK Federation president.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office also supported the bike for peace held in cities and municipalities in the province.
Col. Romy Pague, police provincial director, said he welcomes the initiatives of various groups to express their desire for sustainable peace in Negros Occidental.
“We support these undertakings because peace in Negros Occidental is not just our mandate but our goal and we are glad that the public shares our sentiment,” he added.*