Nueva Ecija solon hopes Marawi conflict to end soon

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija,   - A Nueva Ecija lawmaker on Monday expressed hope and belief that the conflict in Marawi will soon end because of the Filipinos' pride and honor that was brought by the heroism of their forefathers.

Addressing participants of the Independence Day celebration Monday,  Rep. Rosanna Vergara (third district, Nueva Ecija) said Filipino Moros have showed bravery when they fought American invaders during the American-Philippine war from 1899 to 1935 even as the former were using only sword against the latter's rifles.

Based on history, she said,  Americans were surprised that a Moro would not fall on 10 shots from American's .38 cal rifle. This forced an American general to order fabrication of cal. 45 Colt in 1904.

"We come from a very proud, patriotic, brave, courageous race and we should be proud of that," she said. 

"Let us be calm that what is happening now in Mindanao, we will get to overcome it. Not because we are using firepower but because innately we are proud  people, we'll do everything and anything to protect our independence," she said.

Meanwhile, students from Camp Tinio High School in Barangay Camp Tinio this city showed their grasp of the government's campaign against illegal drugs.

"Walang mga diktador na mangaalipin subalit ang ating mga kapatid ay alipin ng droga," said the skit presented by Teatro Magtanghal, headed by Exequiel Macapas as they depicted a man who was gunned down by unidentified man at the height of the anti-drugs drive during the Independence Day celebration by the city government held at SM City Cabanatuan on Monday.

Dubbed as Paggunita sa Kasaysayan, the skit further tackled the conflict in Marawi that cause deaths of soldiers, Maute group members and innocent civilians. 

Finally, they left hope for a peaceful nation as a result of the forefathers heroism.

Spearheaded by the city government and participated in by officials and employees of the Department of Education (Dep-Ed), Masonry, and various government and non-government organizations, the program was held inside the mall to protect participants from severe heat, said Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara.

But prior to the program proper, Vergara along with Vice Mayor Anthony Umali led the wreath laying at Rizal monument in the city hall compound here.

The celebration was also attended by Regional Director Malcolm Garma of the Department of Education in Region 3 as well as officials of the SM City Cabanatuan Mall. (Marilyn Espiritu-Galang/PNA)