"Guardians", civilians hold rally supporting MGen Palparan
by Tita Cardenas
Catarman, Northern Samar (01 July 2005) -- Some 200 members of the "Guardians" including some civilians held a rally yesterday at the Freedom Park in Catarman to express their support to the leadership of Major Gen. Jovito Palparan, Jr., Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan, Samar.
According to the rally organizer Col. Manuelito Usi, commanding officer of the 63rd Infantry Battalion, based in Catubig, Northern Samar, he called on his civilian supporters to show to the local militant groups that the military can get the support of the people, and that it is not only the militant groups who can hold rallies. He also added that the military has already proven several times that they could organize bigger groups compared with the militants who could barely generate twenty to thirty people in holding rallies.
Usi also explained that they learned that said militant groups will be holding rallies again to "malign the good name of the general (MajGen. Palparan)." The said rally according to Usi is an expression of support to the commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division.
Usi further said that they will uphold the constitution and will implement their mandate to support the programs of the government.
The rally was participated in by the "Guardians", tricycle and motorcycle drivers and members of the 63rd Infantry Battalion. Usi said that the rallyist came from Catarman, Bobon, Mondragon, all towns from this province.
It may be recalled that Major Gen. Palparan is being criticized by militant groups in Samar Island in the way he allegedly "neutralizes" supporters and sympathizers of the communist rebels in the area. (PIA-8)
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