Pursue peace
THE
carnage in Mamasapano, Maguindanao highlights the fragile moves toward a sustainable and durable peace in Mindanao. Despite the good intentions on both sides, we now mourn for 44 brave souls who died in the line of duty and grieve with their loved ones. Yet on the other side, there are also their killers ( to us) who were in their own view defending a territory which was invaded even when there was an established understanding between both parties that any intrusion into each other’s respective spheres of influence needed prior communication.
Why was the party (MILF) securing the territory not informed? Why were the Philippine troops and local government officials on the ground not consulted or involved in the operation? To me, it seemed that however was directing the mission did not TRUST the MILF because of the fear that they would warn the object of the mission. Yet any student of a peace process would know that TRUST is the foundation of peace. If the Philippine government did not TRUST the MILF then it is obvious that the realization of peace in the area still has a long way to go.
What is difficult to understand is why the Philippine troops and local officials in the area were kept in the dark. Did this mean that whoever directed the mission did not TRUST them? If this is true, the implications are frightening. We have a government wherein TRUST does not exist among its different units. This will only lead to sectors working at cross-purposes. This may mean that none of the government declared objectives will be achieved. This could lead to an erosion of the credibility of government.
Beyond the questions, there are dismay and anger. Some legislators riding on public sentiments have withdrawn their authorship of the Bangsamoro enabling legislation. Former government officials of the Arroyo administration pontificate on the need to derail the peace process, forgetting that it was under their president that the Supreme Court stopped a memorandum of understanding which involved seceding parts of the Philippine territory to the secessionists. Many politicians and wannabes want their moment in the limelight and assail the Aquino administration’s handling of the situation.
It is time for the Filipino people to listen to Philippine statesmen like former President Fidel V. Ramos and independent politicians like former Senator Ping Lacson, who while deploring the decisions that led to the tragedy, also argue that the peace process should be pursued. I too join them in this call for all Filipinos to do their share to ensure that we continue to walk the path to peace.
As Chairman of INCITEGOV, an NGO that has been in the forefront of pushing the reform agenda in the security sector, the budgeting process, the local government sector and advocating for peace, let me share the statement issued by us:
INCITEGOV STATEMENT ON THE MAMASAPANO TRAGEDY
INCITEGov joined various sectors in the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro by the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which aims to pave the way to end the decades- long armed conflict in Mindanao.
We are deeply saddened that as the road towards the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law ( BBL), a tragic encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao happened last January 25 killing 44 lives of the Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police.
We join the nation in prayer for the loss of lives and we salute with respect our brave valiant policemen to heed the call of duty. We also share our deepest sympathy to the families left behind.
INCITEGov joins the call for sobriety especially to our policy makers not to compromise the legislative hearings on the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Restraining or delaying the enactment of this bill may hinder and greatly affect our aim for lasting peace in Mindanao
INCITEGov as a strong advocate of peace under its Security Sector Reform Program believes that amid our heightened call for justice, let us also remain united for peace and remain sober. INCITEGov strongly supports the strengthening of the peace process towards a better Mindanao.