Peace walk held to end violence

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidental initiated a walk for peace in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental last Sunday to call for an end to violence, following the spate of killings in Negros Oriental last July.

The Catholic Church represented by Monsignor Eugene Peral, vicar general of San Carlos City Diocese, along with at least 10 priests and pastors led the activity, which was also participated by 700 soldiers, police, local government officials, employees, teachers, and students.

They walked 1.2 kilometers around the city’s thoroughfare as they call for the stoppage of the killings in Negros island.

The series of killings in the said province two months ago claimed the lives of about 20 people, including four policemen who were killed in an ambush-slay staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Ayungon town.

Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, commander of Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said he appreciated the Church’s effort in unifying the people in the quest for genuine peace. The Army also wholeheartedly support it, he added.

A holy mass was officiated by Peral at Our Lady of Buensuceso Parish in the said city.

Other activities include ecumenical prayers, which were rendered by the pastors from different religious sectors, and candle lighting, which were directed towards the unification among the church, government forces, and people.

Also present in the activity was Lieutenant Colonel Randy Pagunuran, commander of the Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion, and Rev. Fr. Dionisio Nacario, social action director, who also gave a message in behalf of San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza.