To call for lasting peace in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable communities, cyclists in Cebu City went out to join the Bike for Peace and Justice on Saturday morning, July 17, 40 days after the death of cousins Keith and Novelen Absalon.
Before the participants traversed the 17-kilometer route within the streets of Cebu City, a short program was held at the Plaza Independencia following the minimum health protocols.
The bike-for-a-cause was a nationwide activity, calling for prayers and justice to Kieth and Novelen Absalon, who died after an explosive planted by the suspected New People’s Army (NPA) detonated while they were biking in Masbate City last June 6.
Kieth was a promising football player, playing for the Far Eastern University in the UAAP. In his welcome message, DILG-7 Director Leocadio Trovela thanked the participants for coming out and giving their time.
“The kindest thing we can do for loved ones or someone is to come together like this in early morning of Saturday to offer our time as we share the agony of losing someone so young,” said Dir. Trovela.
Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, a biker himself; Atty. Mark Gregory Avila, president of Young Lawyers Association of Cebu (YLAC); Atty. Cheryl Condat; president, IBP-Cebu Chapter; and former rebel Ka Dereb, all gave their message of support.
Ka Dereb said that it pains him to see innocent and young people with bright futures die as victims of crimes against humanity of the communist terrorist groups.
The activity capped off with the Call to Action to Peace and Justice/ signing of the covenant. Lawyer Ian Kenneth Lucero, DILG Cebu City Director and Chief of LGMED, recited the manifesto along with the participants.