MANILA, Philippines – How did you spend National Heroes’ Day?

While many were enjoying the long weekend, motorcycle group Team Riders Philippines Inc organized a day-long ride to honor the country’s troops and peace workers on Monday, August 28.

“Ride for Peace 2017 is our modest effort to honor the sacrifices of our troops and peace workers in our country, particularly those who are currently in the frontlines and in Marawi,” the group, also known as “Team Riders”, wrote on their Facebook event page.

Team Riders Officer-in-Charge Director for Operations Jonjon Guarin said that the activity is for the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police who “work to protect the country’s freedom.”

At 5:30 am, the group met up at the People Power Monument in Quezon City and rode off to Camp Capinpin in Tanay town in Rizal province.

Attended by 130 motorcycle riders, Guarin said that the group – with support from React Philippines – organized the ride to call for peace. The riders who joined were from different clubs and was facilitated by Bantay Bayan and AFP’s 7th Civil Relations Group and Civil Relations Service; with the help of the 2nd Infantry Division Jungle Fighters.

“Dahil sa dinami-rami ng nangyayari sa bansa natin, we call out for peace para po sa katahimikan.” (Because a lot has been happening in the country, we are calling for peace.) he said.

“Support our troops dahil may mga kamag-anak, kapatid, at kaibigan na sundalo o pulis,” ([We want to] support our troops because we have relatives, siblings, and friends who are soldiers or policemen,) Guarin added.

Last May, clashes erupted in Marawi City as the military moved to hunt down “high-value targets” belonging to the local terrorists Maute Group and the Abu Sayyaf Group. (READ: TIMELINE: Marawi clashes prompt martial law in all of Mindanao)

About 2,700 families were displaced from Marawi City. (WATCH: Marawi humanitarian crisis grows even as battleground narrows)

A “peace corridor” will be established with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to ensure safe passage of residents in the area.

“(We want) to show our strong support to all the meaningful peace programs in our communities,” he said.– Rappler.com