Dad hopes Joma’s death leads to end of rebellion

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr., an ex-rebel himself, although expressing condolences to the family of Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison, is hoping the leader’s death will pave the way to the end of a violent communist ideology.

“Based on experience, every anniversary, lahi sa atua, mag ihaw ug baboy, baka, manok para mag celebrate. Pero ang mga kumunista lahi, mag-celebrate gani na sila, patay gyud na.  Mao ng red alert gyud ng atong mga military ug police,” said Alcover, in a privilege speech at the City Council yesterday.

Alcover disclosed that he had been with the communist group for almost 10 years. He had been with them after the declaration of Martial Law and led the first squad of the CCP-NPA here.

“Sa akong pakigbisog ngadto sa kabukiran, dul-an napulo ka tuig, akong nakat-unan nga ang armadong pakigbisog, alang sa kausaban sa atong katilingban dili mao ang pamaagi,” Alcover said.

He added the group’s ideology is that cultural, political and economic problems can be solved through violence.

“Na-realize nako, dili gyud mao ang solusyon. Walay hinungdan, walay makuha kung magpadayon ang violence,” Alcover said.

With this, Alcover calls on the youth to the painful lessons that he learned.

“My message to the young people and young red activists, dili lalim magpabukid ug magrebelde sa atong gobyerno tungod lamang sa ideolohiya nga sayop. I learned it the hard way – violence will never achieve everlasting peace and progress,” added Alcover.

“I hope and I pray that the death of Joma will also lead to the death of this violent communist ideology,” Alcover added. (FREEMAN)