Bohol on Tuesday launched a lofty advocacy called Non-killing Boholano Society as the provincial government here declared February 11 the Provincial Day of Peace, marking the permanent end of insurgency in this tourism-and-agriculture-oriented province. On February 11, 2010 Bohol was declared by the AFP an “insurgency-free” province, a model for AFP's peace programs and successful campaigns against the New People's Army (NPA). Governor Edgar Chatto, Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim, City Mayor John Geesnell Yap, national and local government officials, businessmen, the clergy, students and academe, rebel returnees, NGOs, farmers and fishermen and other sectors also attended the first observance of Bohol's Day of Peace. The Provincial Board had approved Resolution 2014-055 declaring Feb. 11 this year and every year thereafter as Bohol's Day of Peace, as sponsored by PB Member Cesar Tomas Lopez and Vice Gov. Lim.

The declaration, the PB said, sets the tone for Boholanos to live in a “non-violent society,” following former President Carlos P. Garcia's dictum: “I believe that our best contribution to the free world lies in our ability to maintain peace and security in our country.” The PB further said the Day of Peace has been premised on the military's pronouncement that Bohol is an “insurgency-free” province, as well as giving honor to the soldiers, the police and the masses in sustaining peace and unity in the province. Chatto said, “Development is meaningless without genuine peace, which can only be achieved when everyone takes responsibility of sustaining peace.” The declaration and launching was attended by AFP chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, NBI Director Virgilio Mendez, Commission on Human Rights chair Etta Ann Rosales, Undersecretary Maria Cleofe Gettie Sandoval of Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), former University of the Philippines president Jose Abueva, Bohol Provincial Police director Dennis Agustin, Bohol's Special Forces commander Lt. Col. Julius Tomines, and other top officials of the military, police, and government agencies.

Abueva, one of the proponents of a non-killing Philippine society, said he envisioned “a killing-free Philippines, ... a just and humane society, and a democratic and republican State where people's various human rights are guaranteed and protected.” Mendez, for his part, hailed the Boholanos for actively building a peaceful society. “Boholanos are never known to be violent and trouble-maker but they never back down in the face of oppression,” he said, adding that the quest for peace is a never-ending pursuit. He dared the public: “We have to fight and conquer” crimes. “Should we feel threatened, unsecured or unjustly treated, make yourselves be heard. Let us continue to work together. If you see and observe imminent threats and violence and criminal activities, let it be known to our authorities and as guardians of peace and make sure justice is served.” The event was highlighted in the unveiling of the “Peace Monument” and signing of “Commitment to Peace” with stakeholders from multi-sector groups. A march-rally and motorcade preceded the peace declaration, culminating in prayer rally, candle lighting, and the releasing of doves and balloons. (RIC V. OBEDENCIO / MIKE ORTEGA LIGALIG)