Cagayan de Oro Bishops to Initiate Protests Against EDCA: Kagay-anons Should Be Reminded How Local Heroes Resisted The American Colonizers in the 1900s

23 Mar Cagayan de Oro Bishops to Initiate Protests Against EDCA: Kagay-anons Should Be Reminded How Local Heroes Resisted The American Colonizers in the 1900s

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Cagayan de Oro’s 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez has already expressed his disapproval about the old Lumbia airport being included in the “EDCA agreed locations” concurred between the Philippines and the United States. And now, a group of bishops from Cagayan de Oro are plotting for a protest actions against the same issue together with multisectoral groups. The protest pegs about the historic “Battle of Cagayan de Misamis” happened on April 7, 1990 with the goal to remind Kagay-anons of how local heroes battled for the freedom of the city against the American occupation.

“Education on history and nationalism is vital to this campaign, many of us do not know our past, we do not how local heroes fought for freedom in the city, and because of lack of knowledge, we are not critical on these issues,” said Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) Bishop Rudy Juliada.

Juliada added that they have already began conducting forums, together with prelates, pastors, nuns and some concerned citizens, to communities regarding the issue to build an alliance against EDCA. The said alliance will involve local public officials, interfaith groups, members of the academe, homeowners, farmers, lumads, lawyers and business groups.

To this, Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno shared that he welcomes “peaceful protest” but explaining in a quote, “without this arrangement meant to enhance mutual defense, unsa may atong mahimo? Nakasabot ta about sovereignty but there are realities that we have to deal with, it is not surrendering sovereignty man gayud,” Moreno said.”

“Kinahanglan ato usang suta-on what does the agreement contain? What are the obligations of the government on it? What are its benefit to government and its people? And what are the processes that have to be complied with?” he added and that the issue must be studied.