The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the city government of San Carlos in Negros Occidental joined the nationwide simultaneous cycling event on Saturday, July 17.
At least 30 individuals from different biking groups and enthusiasts in the city who are mostly members of the San Carlos Association of Mountain Bikers (SCAMB) joined the event to mark the 40th day since the Absalon cousins were killed in Masbate City by members of the communist party last June 6, 2021.
A prayer and a moment of silence, candle lighting ceremony and the signing of the pledge for peace covenant were also observed.
To recall, the Communist Party of The Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front claimed responsibility for the crime where Kieth Absalon, 21, was cycling with his 40-year-old cousin, Nolven, when an anti-personnel mine suddenly exploded by the roadside which caused the death of the victims.
SCAMB president Cyrus Sumalinog said they will support this advocacy and also condemn all forms of human right abuses of the rebels.
DILG strongly calls for justice for all the victims of all human rights abuses and atrocities created by said terrorist group including all the crimes against humanity.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict received approval from the Inter-Agency Task Force to conduct the said event only in MGCQ and GCQ areas with strict implementation of minimum health protocol.
The event formally ended in a simultaneous shouting of “Nag Bike Ako for Peace and Justice!”/WDJ