Davao City — Arian Jane Ramos, previously known as Ka Marikit and a former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), expressed strong support for peaceful resolutions and transformative justice as she participated in the celebration marking the first anniversary of the Davao Region being declared free from insurgency.
According to a news release by Philippines News Agency, Ramos, who once served as the secretary of Guerrilla Front 55 of the NPA based in Southern Mindanao, spoke at an event commemorating the region's insurgency-free status. This designation became official on Oct. 12, 2022, through Regional Peace and Order Council 11 Resolution Number 07, series of 2022, after all NPA units in the region were dismantled.
Ramos emphasized that the path from conflict to cooperation and from violence to dialogue is not only possible but also "imperative." She pointed out that while the region's insurgency-free status is a triumph, the underlying issues that made the Davao Region a stronghold for the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF) should not be ignored. Ramos noted that issues in Talaingod and Paquibato District arise not from malice but from a deep-rooted desire to defend ancestral lands and unresolved land conflicts.
In terms of sustaining the region's insurgency-free status, Ramos highlighted the importance of a whole-of-nation approach, as outlined in Executive No. 70. She called for comprehensive land reform, respect for the rights of indigenous peoples, and protection of their ancestral lands. Ramos also stressed the need for accessible education and economic opportunities as alternatives to armed movements.
"Justice does not lie in the barrel of a gun," said Ramos, urging her former comrades to abandon the armed struggle. She invited legislators to immerse themselves in conflict-resilient areas and understand the struggles of the people they represent. According to Ramos, addressing the root causes of insurgency and involving the community in decision-making processes can ensure lasting peace.
Ramos argued that the peace achieved in Davao is not an isolated victory but a blueprint for what can be accomplished when everyone unites in pursuit of peace and progress. "Let the story of Davao Region echo across our nation, inspiring every corner to embrace unity, understanding, and the unwavering commitment to defend our beloved Philippines. Together, we shall prevail," said Ramos.