Party-list rep: Never forget Digos massacre

CEBU, Philippines - Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy Rep. Pastor “Jun” Alcover and Bantay Partylist Rep. Jovito Palparan recently joined the residents of barangay Binaton, Digos, Davao del Sur in commemorating the 20th year of the “Digos Massacre.”

The two party-list representatives also served as the main speakers during the Anti-Communist rally held in Digos City, Davao Del Sur last June 25.

It can be recalled that in the early morning of June 25, 1989, in the tiny village of Rano, barangay Binaton, Digos, Davao del Sur, 39 churchgoers in a small Protestant church affiliated with the United Church of Christ of the Philippines were massacred by a group of armed men believed to members of the CPP-NPA NDF Communist guerrillas. Among them, Pastor Ruben Ayap and his brother were beheaded.

In his speech at the rally, Alcover urged the residents of barangay Binaton not to forget the bloody incident so that it will remind them of the dastardly act of the CPP-NPA guerrillas.

“The reason for the massacre appears to be the widespread refusal of the village people of submission to the Maoist-Communist tyrannical rule that is common in the countryside,” Alcover said.

He also urged the people to be always vigilant of their surroundings, especially in the hinterlands, of new faces and the presence of strangers because rebels are recruiting young men to join their forces.

“So if anyone sees any suspicious characters roaming around their area, they should report it to the authorities so that proper steps will be taken,” Alcover said.

Alcover also promised the survivors of the massacre and relatives of the victims that he will do his best so that financial assistance will be accorded to them.

If possible he said he will extend livelihood programs to the surviving relatives. - PR (THE FREEMAN)