Gov't should hold peace dialogues

MANILA, Philippines - I sense a great deal of frustration and anger about the Maguindanao massacre. I am sure this exacerbated the present political tensions in Maguindanao. Probably, this could have been prevented if only the government had done something before to resolve the prolonged conflicts among the political leaders in Maguindanao. The situation is likened to a family which has unruly kids. If the parents condone the misdeeds of the riotous children then they only have themselves to blame. The government has an important task on matters where rights of the people are at stake, that is, to act as parens patriae, or guardian of the rights of the people. The government cannot be insensitive to the pleas of our countrymen in Maguindanao when their rights are jeopardized.

I am concerned about the speedy and peaceful resolution of this political violence so that people there would not shudder in fear living in an atrocious environment and would resume their normal lives again. Admittedly, peace dialogues may have been initiated in the past to resolve the conflict but the results were neither clear nor helpful. The government probably can facilitate anew a peaceful and respectful dialogue among the political leaders in Maguindanao. The government should be prudent though in the choice of venue and circumspect in brokering the dialogue so as not to create further tension nor inflame misunderstanding among the political leaders. The dialogue should include talking points on how the warring political factions co-exist and probably share political power with one goal that is uppermost in their minds — to do public service.

Dialogue is a bridge and it involves a sense of trust. Dialogue means listening to these political leaders without trying to change them. The government failed in this field I guess because it wanted to impose its will on those who participate in most peace dialogues it initiated.

Unless the government moves expeditiously, the political violence would escalate and become more death-defying and unsafe for our people in Maguindanao. God save our country! — REGINALD B. TAMAYO, Aparri, Cagayan