The Balik-Loob Organization of Mountain Province (BLOMP) displayed solidarity and reconciliation by organizing a peace and unity walk and talks in Bontoc, Mountain Province.
Over 100 participants composed of the youth, employees from the provincial government, and uniformed personnel joined the members of BLOMP during the walk.
They carried placards advocating for long-lasting peace in the province and condemning communist-terrorist groups (CTG) and affiliated organizations.
After the unity and peace walk, the BLOMP reaffirmed their commitment to the government, signaling a promising stride towards unity and peace in the province.
This initiative carries significant weight as it not only reaffirms their loyalty to the government but also serves as a pivotal pre-anniversary celebration event for Mountain Province, scheduled to span throughout April.
Participants also convened at the hall for a consultation with different government agencies, which presented their programs and extended support to members of the BLOMP.
In a message from Board Member Henry Bastian, Jr. who represented Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr., emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration for the progress of the province.
He also committed the support of the provincial government of Mountain Province particularly the Peace and Order Council especially programs reintegrating them to mainstream society.
“Programs to the former rebels and peace and security programs should not be abandoned,” Bastian said.
Members of the BLOMP also expressed their appreciation to the government line agencies for pledging their support to the organization.
The members urged remaining CTG members to return to the government, especially in the upcoming NPA anniversary.
The BLOMP also said they are open to welcoming them into their organization.
“Kami ay handang ipaalam ang magandang karanasan sa pagbabagong buhay at sa gabay ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Conflict. Sabay nating tahakin ang tamang daan ng paninilbihan sa bayan,” the organization said in a statement.
BLOMP is a people’s organization comprised of former rebels in Mountain Province who withdrew their support from CTGs as a result of the implementation of Executive Order 70 and the Community Support Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and now agents of peace and development in the Cordillera.
The Northern Luzon Command will continue to assist the BLOMP in its successful reintegration into mainstream society through the government’s whole-of-nation approach and assisting its members in accessing government programs and projects. – Press release
