ON THE MAMASAPANO MASSACRE I have read with a combined feeling of amazement and trepidation the reactions of many parties – political, nonpolitical, and even ordinary citizens – on the Mamasapano massacre. I am appalled by the fact that their reactions have been mostly to retaliate, suspend discussions on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), totally scrap it, and adopt a hardline stance on the peace issue with the Filipino Muslims. I have read that at least two senators have withdrawn their authorship of the proposed BBL. Other lawmakers will most likely withdraw too. In brief, the years and hard work of the involved parties to craft a political settlement on the nagging issue of Muslim separatism would go for naught. In brief, we will likely go back to square one, where we all do not see any light at the end of the long tunnel. I do not take that retaliation and the corresponding hardening of position on the Muslim issue would be the best strategy to tackle the Mamasapano massacre. On the contrary, they are counterproductive and would serve no purpose at all except to exacerbate the issue. I like to believe that the Aquino government should not stray from the moral high ground, which is the road to peace. Despite the tragedy, where the best and the brightest among our police officer corps died, the more the Aquino government should pursue peace without letup. The more the incident should spur the government to settle the peace issue once and for all. This is the way to make their death meaningful. The road to peace is a tortuous, rigorous, and frustrating process. But, aside from the usual dosage of public criticisms and the pestering presence of the parties whose agenda is to negate peace at all cost, the peace process should proceed with a strong political will even though it is fraught with many dangers and pitfalls. The peace process has its flux and flow, highs and lows, bumps and paved roads. It has its share of false starts and deadends. It is never a smooth sailing process. But should we just give up our commitment to pursue it? On the contrary, the more we should pursue it despite the numerous challenges that lie ahead of us. The more we should be committed to the peace process. That is notwithstanding the Mamapasano massacre.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 03:15:47 +0000
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