Civic groups hold peace rally in La Union

By Miriam P. Aquino

Friday 23rd of November 2012

AGOO, La Union Nov 22 (PIA) – A unified Civil Society Group (CSG) and the La Union police recently held an indignation rally to denounce the spate of killings and call for peace and justice for the victims of the series of unsolved killings in Tubao and Agoo towns.

Police Chief Inspector Marlon Paiste, Chief of Police Community Relations and Public Information Office La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) said the group converged at the Freedom Park in Agoo town at noontime for a short prayer for peace, lighting of candles, ceremonial signing of pledges for justice, and the simultaneous release of white balloons.

Part of this peace rally was a unified statement stating that as peace-loving people, they believe that God is the ultimate author of life and that He alone can take it back.

They condemned the incidents of violence and called upon the authorities to enforce the law expeditiously, serve justice to the victims and ensure a promising future for the province, Paiste added.

LUPPO Provincial Director Ramon O Purugganan said this concerted effort of the different members of the cause-oriented group
especially from the religious sector only shows their utmost concern and desire to help make La Union particularly Agoo and nearby municipalities a safer place to live in.

The rally symbolizes unity as one force with the noble intentions of upholding human rights and promoting security, peace and order as well as cooperation from the community which is a major component to fight crime and violence of all forms.

Reverend Mariano C. Apilado of Peace Builders La Union, Melvin Macusi of Amnesty International, Danilo Balino from the Commission on Human Rights and Fr. Leo Nedic of TIGNAY-PPCRV, other Human Rights Groups, Kanlungan, Bannuar and leaders of the Catholic and protestant churches participated in the gathering, Paiste said. (ANL/MPA/FMGM -PIA 1 La Union with reports from LUPPO)