March 21, 2020 – Saturday 6:03 PM by Ruth Palo
DAVAO CITY — Multi-awarded artist Kublai Millan has expressed interest in transforming destroyed firearms in the region seized from the New People’s Army (NPA) into a “peace artwork.”
This after several firearms and magazines seized from members of the rebel group or surrendered by former NPA members were destroyed in a recent ceremonial demilitarization rite at the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 headquarters in this city.
First District Councilor Maria Belen Acosta said she has already informed Millan about her proposal.
“I have texted Kublai and he is favorable with it,” she said.
Acosta, who chairs the committee on peace and public safety and security of the legislative body, said firearms that had been used in war can be turned into artwork to symbolize peace for the people of Davao and in the entire country.
“Di ba nindot nga style nga gigamit sa giyera sa una karon mahimo ng peace artwork?” She said.
(Wouldn’t it be beautiful if the guns used in war before are turned into peace artwork?)
Acosta said she has already discussed the proposal with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as well as PRO 11 director Brigadier General Filmore Escobal.
Kublai, whose real name is Ray Mudjahid Ponce Millan, is known for his large sculptures such as the 25-foot durian monument at the Davao International Airport and the giant eagle at the People’s Park here.
Acosta said Kublai is now working on a peace artwork project at the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
“Kublai is looking forward to having one here in Davao,” Acosta said.
In an interview with the Mirror, Kublai said he has yet to receive a copy of Acosta’s proposal but added he is very willing to do the project.
“It has been a plan since then, but I do not know what agency is in charge of it,” he said.
He confirmed that he is working on a peace monument in Camp Aguinaldo but could not divulge further information.