The Philippines 303rd Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, together with the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB), took part in the “Walk for Peace” last Sunday, which was initiated by the Diocese of San Carlos at the Catholic Church of Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental.
The church, represented by Diocese of San Carlos vicar general, Monsignor Eugene Peral, with at least 10 priests and pastors from different denominations, led the 700 soldiers, police officers, local government officials, employees, teachers, and students in a 1.2 kilometer “Walk for Peace” around the city.
Peral also officiated a Catholic mass before the procession, which was held in Our Lady of Buensuceso Parish im the said city.
Other activities include ecumenical prayers, which were rendered by pastors from different religious sect; and a candle offering, which were directed towards the unification of church, government, and the public to peacefully call for an end to violence following the earlier spate of killings across Negros Oriental.
“I appreciate the church’s efforts in unifying the people in the quest for genuine peace and the army will wholeheartedly support it,” Arevalo said.
Also present were 94IB commander, Lt. Colonel Randy Pagunuran; and social action director, Rev. Fr. Dionisio Nacario, who gave a thanksgiving message on behalf of Diocese of San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza./DGB, WDJ