Bikers join the call for peace and justice

APPROXIMATELY 800 cyclists from 66 different biker groups in Pampanga participated over the weekend in the Bike for Peace and Justice.

The bike race aims to call for peace and justice for all victims of human rights abuses and to condemn alleged atrocities by Communist-Terrorist Groups (CTGs), including the murder of cousins ​​Kieth and Nolven Absalon at Masbate.

Governor Dennis Pineda stressed the need to educate the population, especially young people, about CTG threats, and explain to them that the government is the one they should seek help from.

“The province is already developed and we don’t need this kind of brutality here. Do we want a province in chaos? Do we want our young people to join these groups? We don’t want that. What we need is an education for our children, not weapons and weapons. This is our call, ”he said.

Pineda urged the Kapampangans to participate in helping the provincial government to end the communist insurgency in Pampanga.

Meanwhile, the Army’s 70th Infantry Battalion Commander Eugene Garce called on participants to unite to achieve the true essence of peace for the nation’s continued development.

“We are here to condemn the misdeeds of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front in the murder of our innocent compatriots, who have nothing to do with their problems with the government,” he said. .

For his part, Provincial Police Director Thomas Ibay said he hopes the call for justice and peace for all illegal activities carried out by CTGs should not end with cycling activity, and manifest itself in a consistent manner.

The Absalons were bombarded with improvised explosive landmines while cycling, and were also shot dead at Barangay Anas in Masbate on June 2 by elements of the NPA who took full responsibility for their deaths.

In support of the event, Bienvenido Gatus, a member of the Candaba Bikers, shared his regrets for the death of Kieth, who is a most treasured football player and a potential member of the national team.

“I saw the story of the kid who was killed by a landmine and I took pity on him. He is an athlete like us, who strives every day to strengthen his body. It is an image of sport that represents us. The child’s life has just been ruined. We have joined here to be the voices to demand justice for him, ”he said.

The 13 kilometer route for the cycling event started from Provincial Capitol Grounds to Sta. Ecopark Rita.