Ata tribe, ex-rebels hold reconciliation rituals

DAVAO CITY: Members of the Ata tribe and former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) held reconciliation rituals to mark the end of the cycle of violence in Paquibato District here.

The groups also conveyed their commitment to usher in lasting peace within their communities in a ceremony held in Barangay Malabog on Thursday, April 25.

The event was dubbed “Reconciliation of good will between the Ata Indigenous Cultural Communities and the Former Rebels towards a peaceful and prosperous society.”

The program was spearheaded by Indigenous People Structure (IPS) Executive Council member Tumanuron Datu Boyson, barangay officials, representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Eastern Mindanao director Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña.

The reconciliation program gives former rebels a chance to make amends and establish good will with the Indigenous communities.

During the program, a ritual was conducted symbolizing reparations offered to the Indigenous Peoples and the vanishing of any ill-will between them and the former rebels.

“We, the Ata, are one of the living signs that we Filipinos continue to nurture our culture of peace. Despite the damage caused by the insurgency, our hope for peace remains,” Anib said in vernacular.

Anib said that even though the historical grievances of their communities against insurgents must not be forgotten, these must not be allowed to get in the way of mutual aspirations to peace and progress for future generations in Paquibato.

A ceremonial cutting of “uway” or rattan was also performed, with one end of the rattan held by members of the local government unit and the other by the former rebels and the Indigenous Peoples.

Alias Jose, a former leader of the NPA, echoed the sentiments of peace from the Ata leaders and voiced his regret and shame over the terror and bloodshed they unleashed upon the Indigenous groups in Paquibato.

Jose and other former rebels also committed to support the peace-building efforts in the area.