Housands line u to welcome ourney home
Otaza in final
LORETO, Agusan del Sur – Thousands of relatives and supporters of peace lined the national highway from Butuan City to show their respect and sympathy to this town’s slain Mayor Dario E. Otaza, also known as “Datu Malampuson” of the Manobo tribe, during a caravan for justice staged Friday.
The caravan, organized by local government units (LGUs) from 14 towns in Agusan del Sur and non-government organizations (NGOs), was a tribute the leadership and peace advocacies of Otaza, who many consider to be their hero here.
Teary-eyed, chanting Otaza’s name and waving white flaglets, the people welcomed the vehicle entourage which carried the remains of the mayor in his final journey back to his home town.
Otaza, a former New People’s Army (NPA) rebel, is hailed as having been responsible for the liberation of Loreto from the grip of NPA manipulation, and exploitation.
“He brought development to his community to realize the dreams of his people. He was successful in encouraging 246 NPAs to go back to mainstream society and lead a normal life,” said Capt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez, regional Army spokesman of the Fourth Infantry (Diamond) Division (4thID).
“People from all walks of life, tricycle drivers, students, teachers, farmers, vendors, lumads and non lumads alike, were there. All were unified to give respect and honor to the man and condemned the killing and the perpetrators,” Col. Rey Pasco, commanding officer of the 4th Civil Military Operation added.
Meanwhile, Wilfredo Otaza, the slain mayor’s brother and chief of staff, expressed their family’s gratitude to all peace-loving people who paid their respect and showed overwhelming support for his brother.
He said that they will continue to seek justice for the brutal killing of his brother and nephew, Daryl. He likewise called on Otaza’s supporters “not to place justice in their hands but instead let the AFP and PNP do their job of arresting the perpetrators.”
"Our deepest gratitude to the thousands of Agusan people who showed their support and sympathy during the caravan for justice,” teary-eyed Wilfredo said.
“They joined us with their sincerest hearts in condemning the NPA for killing our beloved Datu Malampuson and his son Daryl,” he added.
“We are calling on all Agusanons to continue his (Mayor Otaza) quest for lasting peace and democracy," also said Datu Makahinlo Gubat Marcos U. Gonzales, Agusan del Sur provincial tribal chieftain.