Tarlac Aetas stage peace rally
Mayor Elma Macadamia expressed her gratitude to the IP group, citing that the harmonious living of the Aetas here would mean a more organized and developed San Clemente
SAN CLEMENTE, Tarlac — At least 150 indigenous Aetas recently conducted a peace rally to condemn the abuse, exploitation and deceit done by the communist terrorist groups alongside the surrender of six rebel supporters in Sitio Dueg, Barangay Maasin here.
The peace rally is an initiative of the Indigenous Peoples Tribal leaders of the area which aims to protect the IPs from being exploited by the terrorists, and prevent them from ruining their lives.
Tribal leader Johnny Basilio, a former insurgent, told his experience while he was still part of the group, saying that he was used by the communist terrorist group to further their motive of insurgency, adding that the IPs should just go to the government since the answer to their problems can be answered.
He also said that the police and the soldiers are here to protect them from these insurgents.
Mayor Elma Macadamia, on the other hand, expressed her gratitude to the IP group, citing that the harmonious living of the Aetas here would mean a more organized and developed San Clemente.
Meantime, Lieutenant Colonel Jeszer M. Bautista, acting commanding officer of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, assured that the Philippine Army will continue supporting the IPs and would listen to their problems.
He added that they should not listen to communist terrorist groups since they do not have the solutions that the IPS need.
The peace rally was coordinated with the 32nd Mechanized Infantry Company and the local government of San Clemente. It can be recalled that an arms cache containing firearms and equipment owned by terrorists was discovered within the mountainous area of San Clemente due to the diligence of the Aetas.