A Time for War

The president has ordered the AFP to go after those responsible for the ambush and beheadings of the Marines in Basilan, short of calling out for an all-out offensive against the Islamic militants. I call them bandits and criminals actually, as it suits them better. I really hope this is not just posturing or saber-rattling from the side of the government, but a firm response to the atrocities committed by these vermin. The fact that we have an ongoing ceasefire with these bandits just adds to the outrage that practically the whole country feels towards the ambush of the Marines. Why they had to behead our soldiers just smacks of provocation and insult to the government and to the Filipino people as a whole. An obvious act of defiance to the ruling government and to the country, in the hope of forwarding their cause for a separate state. Liberation. Yeah right!

All over the world where there is some sort of trouble, you can be sure that an Islamic militant is involved. Even in predominantly Muslim countries like Indonesia and the Middle East, where the Bali bombings and the Iraqi insurgency are excellent examples. What is it with these troublemakers of the world? Why can’t they co-exist with everyone else? Why do they always want it all? Such is the case with our own insurgents. Every time the government agrees into some sort of agreement or concession with these people, they find a way to just want more. And like the grown-up brats that they are, they create trouble when unsatisfied. Just like Fr. Bossi’s abduction. Why target a priest, whose job is to just take care of his flock? And for money? Where is the idealism there? There isn’t any because all they want is more money to fund their insurgency, their women, their egos. Plain and simple. I’ll be damned if there is any kind of idealism at all!

Our armed forces have been fighting these insurgents with one arm tied behind their backs for a long time now, at the risk of always being criticized as violating human rights. Where are their statements of condemnation to the atrocities committed by these vermin now? What do they say to the families of the beheaded soldiers, who can’t even have an open casket to properly mourn their brave loved ones, who vowed to protect this country from all enemies, foreign and domestic! The good book of Ecclesiastes says that there is a time for everything. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. We all know what time it is for us to do. The perpetrators of the ambush in Basilan cannot go, should not go unpunished. They have made their true nature and intentions clear. Time to rid the country of its pests.

A Gallant Stand

It looks like the end of a long battle for senatorial candidate Koko Pimentel, whose petition for a TRO to stop the proclamation of the 12th Senator in this year’s election was denied. This paves the way for a victory for Migz Zubiri, who was trailing Pimentel before the highly suspect and controversial votes from Maguindanao were finally canvassed by the Comelec. The high court’s voting of 7-7, just shows how divided they are towards the whole issue, a sentiment shared by the whole country as well. Koko needed 8 votes. I guess the number 7 isn’t that lucky all the time.

It’s been a long two full months for both candidates, who coincidentally are from Mindanao. It is even ironic that their fate hung on the votes from a province of the island. Before the Maguindanao votes were counted, Pimentel was leading Zubiri by around 110,000 votes. Zubiri has since beaten him by 17,000 votes.

For now, the battle is over. And while Zubiri goes to the Senate, I’m sure Pimentel will open new fronts in the Senate Electoral Tribunal, or as the oppositionist’s lawyer has stated, they go to the streets. For Migz Zubiri, he may very well have to contend with the moniker that has been baptized upon him – the Senator from Maguindanao. Not very flattering indeed, considering all the controversy that has hounded the electoral process in the province. A price he pays for the life he chooses. What would be interesting to see now is Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV’s next move, as he stated that he would not want to be in the Senate with a cheat, referring to Zubiri. Well, be careful what you ask for, Senator, as you may very well just be confined to your cell for now.

I’m sure that this whole affair has taught the country a lesson. A lesson I sincerely hope will not be forgotten through time. That we should be more vigilant in making sure that the right of suffrage is ensured and protected, and that true democracy sans the violence and the cheating, is achieved.