Paquibato tribe holds reconciliation rituals with former NPA rebels

The groups also conveyed their commitment to usher in lasting peace within their communities in a reconciliation ceremony in Barangay Malabog on Thursday.

The event was dubbed “Reconciliation of good will between the Ata Indigenous Cultural Communities and the Former Rebels towards a peaceful and prosperous society.” 

The program was spearheaded by Indigenous People Structure (IPS) Executive Council Member Tumanuron Datu Boyson, Barangay officials, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Eastern Mindanao Director lawyer Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña.

Officers from Peace 911, officials from police and military, including former NPA rebels, and other local officials also attended the event. 

The reconciliation program allows former rebels to make amends and establish good will with the indigenous communities. 

City Information Office (CIO) reported that during  the program, a ritual was conducted symbolizing reparations offered to the indigenous people and the vanishing of any ill-will between them and the former rebels.

“We, the Ata, are one of the living signs that we Filipinos continue to nurture our culture of peace. Despite the damage caused by the insurgency, our hope for peace remains,” Anib said in vernacular. 

Anib said that though the historical grievances of their communities against insurgents must not be forgotten, these must not be allowed to get in the way of mutual aspirations to peace and progress for future generations in Paquibato. 

A ceremonial cutting of ‘uway’ or rattan was also performed, with one end of the rattan held by members of the local government unit and the other by the former rebels and the indigenous peoples.

Alias Jose, a former leader of the NPA, echoed the sentiments of peace from the Ata leaders and voiced his regrets and shame over the terror and bloodshed they unleashed upon the indigenous groups in Paquibato.

Jose alongside his fellow former rebels commit to support peace-building efforts in the area. 

Peace 911 Focal person lawyer Jonah Presto assures that Peace 911 and the local government unit continue to support initiatives from everyone.

“To the police, the army, the IP, and even to the FRs, we continue to listen to your insights in order to perpetuate peace here in Paquibato,” she added,” Presto said.