A middle finger against terror and organized crime

MINDANAO’S biggest news is obviously the death of Ozamiz Mayor Aldo Parojinog, and his wife Susan.

For a long time, he stood accused to be the cause of corruption, even of drugs.

Noting how important this all is, writer Rocky Gonzales notes on his FB:

“Today, the world of drug dynasties and their political protectors have shifted. There are no more sacred cows. It is a world of paschal lambs ready for the slaughter for their role in the destruction of Philippine civil society.”

Judging by my social media feed, a whole book of poetry seems to have emerged out of this death, with many reactions affirming the government’s arrest move against them.

That the Parojinogs had the means to repel law enforcers with equal highpowered force and the possibility of a shootout is something few contest.

I have heard people say “tough justice.” Do you agree?

After decades, a major airline has launched regular flights between what were considered war-torn cities – Zamboanga to Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro. Likewise launched are new flights between Dumaguete and Tacloban to Davao.

This, on top of the Davao-Kuala Lumpur and Davao-Puerto Princesa and Kalibo flights launched by Air Asia late May.

At the same time, a major new mall launches in Iligan, long considered to be a no-man’s land for high-level commercial expansion. The opening flies in the face of negative perceptions slapped against the city after martial law was declared.

With increased connectivity and expansion, is the business sector seeing something in Mindanao that most others don’t?

Other areas worth looking into include the upcoming airport expansions in Davao and a new airport in Zamboanga, and night operations in all major Visayas and Mindanao airports that will help decongest Manila and Cebu airports.

Since flights can be spaced well into the evening, Mindanaons can stay longer in Manila (or better deal with traffic) by choosing to leave later in the evening, rather than the rush hours.

Some people do not believe the fact that the Davao region’s economy has been growing at higher pace than the national GDP growth rate.

The truth is that its growth has moved steadily upward and beyond since the late 2000s, besting the national GDP of between 6-6.9% in 2015 (8.2%) and 2016 (9.4%).

Knowing these numbers, the Davao region continues to draw investors easily making it the island’s bright spot. You can always fact check the NEDA website at http://www.neda. gov.ph to know how your region is performing.

That said, the lack of knowledge about Mindanao’s economy needs to be fed with facts and numbers.

Most economists consider it a nobrainer that increased infrastructure spending ought will boost the local economy whether we like it or not, and no amount of negative perceptions will diminish the hope of a people, and the promise of its homeland.

As the increased connectivity and commercial expansion may suggest, the Martial Law impact on the economy may not be as negative as it is perceived.

Frankly, how the Mindanao economy will fare at the end of the year will definitely need to be studied.

Assuming that it will turn bad outright may not exactly be scholarly and scientific. Hoping it will go bad is devious.

The hope of an entire people for peace and prosperity is made stronger by these recent developments. A middle finger against terror is thus raised. For reactions,