Accountable

MNLF founder Nur Misuari and his commanders will be charged with rebellion for the siege of Zamboanga. This was promised by the DOJ, who literally have their hands full with high-profile cases. They will also be slapped with charges for violating international law when they used innocent civilians as human shields, something only cowards use in times of battle. There is so much to be said about people professing to be warriors, and then using innocent non-combatants to shield them from enemy fire. It is no wonder all their cries for international support and intervention fell on deaf, uncaring ears. Who would want to be associated with a band of rebels, terrorists even, like these MNLF-Misuari "warriors"?

But that is easier said than done. Misuari has neither been heard from nor shown his face ever since the siege started. Well maybe one person did hear from him, but a lot of good that did. So the security forces must find him first for the charges to be relevant. And that may be harder than fighting off the rebels. He does have friends. Maybe a lot fewer nowadays as he has become irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Nevertheless, he can still hide in this country, as he has been doing since the first shots were fired. I would really like to see him caught, and face the charges leveled on him.

Zamboanga is practically in ruins. Burned houses, destroyed infrastructure, everything that a war can do to a city. The country is literally paying a heavy price. Logistics for those displaced by the battles are exacting a heavy toll on the country's finances. But the rebuilding of the city has begun. The mayor hopes that there will be those who can see the potential rewards in investing in Zamboanga, particularly its infrastructure. And I believe there are those who will answer her call.

This siege lasted almost three weeks. Imagine the day of World War II when the whole country was occupied by a foreign nation for more than four years. When Gen. McArthur returned, he fought to drive out the Japanese city by city. Victory was eventually achieved, but at a high cost. Most cities were almost leveled. People were literally back in the Stone Age. But we did rebuild, with the help of many countries, including Japan. All the more reason why Misuari must be made accountable. His adventurism made thousands homeless, businesses suffer, lives forever changed. This attack was doomed from the start, but with the scorched earth policy that he obviously encouraged, he may have partially achieved what he wanted.

Needless to say, this must never be allowed to happen again, by any group wanting to claim land for themselves. We fight for what belongs to the country. We are at that point where talks for everlasting peace is underway. There is no more place for armed rebellion, no matter the reason behind it. In the case of the Zamboanga siege, this was all the despicable attempt of a once-powerful individual to become more than what he is.

Insignificant.