Peace be with us

Tears from Pope Francis’ visit had hardly dried when the nation was crying again, this time for the 44 SAF men who were killed at the Mamasapano “mis-encounter.” 

Until now, the headlines continue to blare all the gory details of the tragedy that would infuriate, enrage, arouse the desire to lynch those responsible for the breach of the chain of command. Media found a reality telenovela that will be the best-selling script for many weeks  

Since sacked SAF chief Police Director Getulio Napeñas instantly claimed responsibility and then rationalized his accountability, it did not satisfy the craving for revenge. Answers to questions by higher-ups were ambiguous, therefore unacceptable. 

It did not help that the Palace response was nebulous and awkward.

Wherever there’s an unhealed gaping wound, the maggots soon fester. Politicians, opportunists, haters and extremists – the whole fetid lot – quickly swooped in to infect the pathos of the moment. 

Self-declared legalists, self-styled military charlatans, legislators with obvious self-interests all lined up for their 15 minutes of “selfie” fame. The ne(ga)tizens – anonymous, cowardly little johns and jacks spit their bile into  digital space even if they’ve read only the headlines. 

Then, Media gladly magnifies, sensationalizes and multiplies the vitriol for maximum shockwave. It was the perfect sh_tstorm. 

Pope Francis’ message of peace and compassion seems to have been completely washed away. 

In an ill-advised move, the MILF shared its report with Malaysia but not with Philippine authorities, an act that fueled the anti-Moro sentiment prejudice that they were treacherous and untrustworthy. The anti-BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) bloc asserted that this was further indication that Moros were aiming for secession, not self-determination. 

The Fallen 67

Without diminishing the loss of precious lives in any way, 44 from SAF and 18 from MILF – every soldier and policeman, every warrior and fighter knows that he lays his life on the line every single day that he is on duty. He chose a gallant profession, fully aware of the risks that he faced. 

In this context, we should mourn even more for the 5 civilians who were caught in the crossfire, including an 8 year-old girl. They didn’t enlist for battle. They are collateral damage. 

The bereaved SAF families should be very careful that vested interest groups do not use them. As difficult as it may be in the midst of pain and the blur of tears, they should clarify what “justice” means to them. What exactly would satisfy their quest and give them closure? 

Each grieving loved one has been dogged by Media for a soundbyte. One complains about the benefits; another says the higher ups must man up about their accountability; another wants PNoy to step down for whatever role he played in the tragedy. One wonders if there’s someone winding them up.

Finally the much-awaited Board of Inquiry results are in. The blame seems to rest squarely on the shoulders of Napenas and Alan Purisima. They apparently ignored the President’s order to coordinate with AFP. Where have we heard that before? Oh yes, PNoy narrated the same in his speeches. He was deemed petulant and whiny, but as always – he was telling the truth.

There is very little ballyhoo for the 5 civilian victims. I guess exploiting them serves no one’s agenda.

The fate of BBL

Many proclaimed BBL as dead in its tracks, another collateral damage of Mamasapano. Those that were never enamored with it in the first place, reveled at the I-told-you-so moment. 

BBL would-be sponsors Alan Cayetano and JV Ejercito both backed out. Cayetano’s change of stripes did not surprise anybody. After all, a media hog is first and foremost a shape shifter. He sticks a finger up in the air and feels where the wind blows. Then he howls in that direction.

JV Ejercito went on air and admitted that he not even read the entire 122 pages of BBL. He only read the portions that other solons were already loudly complaining about. That’s worse than cherry picking under the moonlight!

Then there are the fearless forecasts of Raffy Alunan. He used to echo everything that his former boss, President Fidel Ramos would utter. But on this issue, they are singing different tunes. Ramos keeps batting for peace and ending the war. Alunan claims that ISIS would come to the Philippines if BBL were passed. Maybe they’re singing the same song, but different stanzas?

Calls for resignation

They are the worst of the worst. Crawling out of the woodwork, residue from disenfranchised, dismantled syndicates of Marcos cronies, Kamag-anak Inc, GMA Mitsu-bishops and MNLF outcasts banded together to demand that PNoy step down. Even the usual leftists who were initially with them, quietly slinked away, worried that they might catch more stink? 

The group wanted to choose and install a transitional authority until the 2016 elections. Arrogant and delusional from power starvation, they will likely try to grab supremacy even if there’s one day left in the tenure of the sitting president. It would be comical, if it weren’t so pathetic. 

Eye on the prize

The simple fact is, there is no other option but peace. Without peace, there is no economic and social development, not only in Mindanao but also in the entire country. Truly, there are no real winners in war.

BBL is the key to lasting peace. Contrary to Alunan’s speculation, ISIS and their ilk will more likely be enticed by a boiling cauldron of war, poverty and bigotry, than a thriving Muslim society. (READ: Peace Process or ISIS? Make your choice)

History shows that in all the long peace negotiations from Northern Ireland to Israel, as the possibility of peace draws nearer, there will be more bloodshed and violence. Some pundits have asked, what is the cost of peace? Everyone should know the answer.

But for those who have to ask – it’s PRICELESS. – Rappler.com