An Army official in Negros called the 52nd anniversary of the New People’s Army Monday, March 29, a day of mourning for peace and democracy.
That is why a multi-sectoral Peace Caravan that culminated with a Prayer for Peace at the Provincial Capitol Park in Bacolod City was held, Col. Michael Samson, 303rd Infantry Brigade acting commander, said.
The NPA threat is real that is why we gathered to pray for an end to its existence, and for peace and justice to reign, he said.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in his speech during the Prayer for Peace activity said: “Today, in deference to that first Palm Sunday and as we start the Holy Week, we gather and offer our fervent pleas and prayers for peace as a united province”.
“Let us start sowing the seeds of peace, by allowing our Savior to reign in our hearts as we seek to be peacemakers,” he said.
The governor thanked everyone who attended the activity and shared their respective prayers for peace and ended his speech with a Peace Prayer by St. Francis of Assisi.
Among those present at the activity were Negros Occidental Board Member Juvy Pepello, Police Provincial Office Director Col. Romy Palgue, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, Escalante City Mayor Melecio Yap Jr. and Vice Mayor Johnny Gabriel, Andrea Lizares-Si of the Provincial Council for Women, and Schools Division Superintendent Marsette Sabbaluca.*