Former congressman, cops shave head

CEBU, Philippines - More than 20 policemen and civilians shaved their head yesterday to show sympathy for the relatives of the 44 Special Action Force commandos who were killed in action while being deployed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao to serve a warrant of arrest on two international terrorists.

 Former partylist Rep. Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. of the Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy and Police Chief Inspector Enrique Belciña of the Police Community Relations of the Cebu City Police Office led the activity after a prayer rally at the Plaza Independencia.

Alcover, together with the New Guardians, Inc. and the Interfaith Preachers’ Educators Advocacy for Cultural Enlightenment organized the interfaith prayer for peace which was participated in by different religious groups as well as police and military personnel.

 The prayers were led by Monsignor Ben Labajo of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Dawud Lebumfacil and Ustadz Salim of the Muslim community, Dominador Garcia of Bible Baptist Church and other religious congregations.

Other leaders delivered their speeches in support to the Filipinos in grief due to the loss of 44 members of SAF.

Belciña refused to deliver his speech for fear that his statement would be misinterpreted.

“Support lang mi, audience lang,” he said.

A manifesto signed by Alcover, iPEACE president Richard Alfajora and NGI-vice president for the Visayas Edgardo Alcover was also read during the rally.

“What happened was not a mis-encounter, nor was it a massacre but an appalling and tragic carnage; pre-meditated and devilishly employed that must be condemned by all of humanity,” read the manifesto.

 The manifesto calls for support to the “5-day mass leave of absence” by the officials and members of the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association; create an independent body to investigate the crime and make all those responsible for the murders answer; for Congress to suspend deliberation on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law; and for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to show sincerity to foster peace with the government.  (FREEMAN)