DAVAO CITY—The killing of Rebelyn Pitao, daughter of NPA Commander Leoncio a.k.a “Parago” Pitao was brought to fore by more than 100 members of various non-government organizations led by the Exodus for Justice and Peace in the convergence of peace advocates, collectively called “the pilgrims for justice.”
The contingents coming from Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley Province, Davao del Sur and North Cotabato met in Tagum City where a brief ceremony for Rebelyn was held.
In Davao City, the pilgrims from Southern Mindanao region converged with more than 500 pilgrims coming from Dipolog City, Cotabato City, General Santos City, and Surigao del Sur.
According to Bishop Delfin Callao, Jr. of Iglesia Filipina Independiente, the pilgrims for justice will bring to fore issues of gross human rights violations in Mindanao “especially cases of the
victims of development aggression in mining areas and the rampant political killings in the region, the most notorious of whom is that of the rape-slay of Rebelyn Pitao.”
Recently, the father of New People’s Army Commander Ka Jinggoy was found dead in Brgy. Baylo, Monkayo. He bore nine gunshot wounds.
“This pilgrimage is a significant gathering for the victims of human rights violations in Mindanao, drawing strength from the collective spirit of anguish and struggle for justice,” Callao said.
“The pilgrims from Surigao del Sur, will meet with the pilgrims from Southern Mindanao in Tagum City and will hold a brief ceremony at the Rebelyn marker located in Carmen, Panabo City. They will then proceed here in Davao City,” he said.
The groups then attended the 2nd Mindanao Human Rights Summit spearheaded by the non-governmental InPeace Mindanao, along with Kawagib Alliance for the Advancement of Moro Human Rights, Sisters’ Association in Mindanao, Exodus for Justice and Peace Southern Mindanao, Panaw Kalinaw Northern Mindanao, Lihuk Kalinaw Western Mindanao, Hustisya Kalinaw Socsksargen, Karapatan and the Promotion of Church People’s Response.
For reference:
Bishop Delfin Callao Jr.
Landline phone number 300-5397
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