CHANTS OF “Lupang ninuno, ibalik, ibalik! Lupang sakahan, ibalik, ibalik! Pangisdaan, ibalik, ibalik! (Return the ancestral lands! Return the farmlands! Return the fishing areas!) were heard on campus as Task Force Anti-Apeco [Aurora Pacific Economic Zone] National Head Jerik Cruz delivered his closing remarks during a student-led prayer rally at the Science Education Complex Field last Monday, December 3.

Lighted candles dotted the field as anti-Apeco demonstrators, composed of students, teachers and other supporters, gathered in prayer for justice and for the safety and well-being of the marchers from Casiguran, Aurora.

A few Casiguran locals joined the vigil to voice out their concerns. Their account of losing their homes and livelihood, and their plea for help in the fight against Apeco, were highlighted in the event.

The prayer rally organized by the Ateneo Task Force Anti-Apeco (ATFAA) is the first of a series of events in the Ateneo meant to show support for the Casiguran folk.

With reports from Christian Cejalvo