On November 12, 2020, Thursday, 14 municipalities which are within the area of operations of 55th IB held a peace rally against Local Terrorist Groups and the Communist Terrorist Group at Sarustan Gym, Madalum, Lanao del Sur.
The event was initiated by the Local Government Units of the municipalities of Bacolod-Kalawi, Bayang, Binidayan, Calanogas, Ganassi, Lumbaca-Unayan, Lumbatan, Madalum, Madamba, Marogong, Pagayawan, Pualas, Tubaran and Tugaya, all of Lanao del Sur, and was facilitated by the Philippine Army’s 55th Infantry (Vigilant) Battalion.
During the activity, Hon. Usman T. Saranggani, Madalum Vice Mayor, and host of the activity, expressed his gratitude towards the military for making the activity successful. He said that the activity is very symbolic for them because it shows how the people of Lanao del Sur dislikes Terrorism. He further stressed that terrorism has no place in their land and they don’t want terrorists to destroy their communities anymore.
Also, three former rebels gave their testimonies during the activity to attest how terrorism ruined their lives. They also divulged the atrocities and barbaric acts local terrorists do to coerce communities to submit to their will.
Later, COL. NOLIE L. ANQUILLANO, 103rd Deputy Brigade Commander, stressed that peace is the nation’s hope. He explained that when a community attains peace, progress and development will follow. He further emphasized that terrorism is not just a military problem but also a nation’s problem. Everyone should be involved regardless of profession or walk of life in order to achieve peace.
The highlight of the event was the burning of the Local Terrorist Group and Communist Terrorist Group flags which was done by the respective Mayors of each municipality and former rebels to symbolize their opposition against the terrorist groups. They also signed a pledge to declare the said terrorist groups as “persona non grata”.
(Source: 55th Infantry “Vigilant” Battalion)
