In order to begin restoring peace and justice in Sulu and in Mindanao, it’s high time to let go of the hen that lays golden eggs.
The killing of innocent and helpless civilians is un-Islamic and anti-people and we strongly condemn the brutal slaying of our brothers in Sulu.
Indeed, this is a tragedy that poses a crucial question on the state of ‘unpeace’ and injustice in Mindanao and in the whole country. We grieve with their families and unite with the Moro and Filipino people in demanding for justice over their brutal deaths.
We sincerely hope that the military and the Arroyo government will truly “root out” the Abu Sayyaf this time, and that its media statements are not mere lip service.
It is frustrating that while the government has been allotting a huge bulk of the country’s resources in its so-called fight against terrorism, the ASG or the Abu Sayyaf Group has remained seemingly formidable and elusive.
In its many media projection opportunities, the Arroyo government has always made a trophy out of dead or captured high-ranking ASG leaders, and yet the number of ASG members keeps growing.
To the extent of violating the constitution, Mrs. Arroyo has opened up Philippine territory to US military forces on the justification that the ASG must be fought.
Still, none of these were enough to wipe out the ASG? Sadly, the people have always been made to absorb the horror purportedly created by the Abu Sayyaf; and the consequences of the government’s being inutile in curbing terrorism.
At this point, we are reminded of an issue that remains unresolved: The collusion between the military and the ASG, to which even military elements (Magdalo soldiers) have attested to.
Still the other side of the coin presents a likely explanation: “The ASG is a hen that lays golden eggs,” such that it is too precious to lose. In the face of the battle between the government and its so-called enemies in the arena of the fight against terrorism, the people deserve to know the truth.
For in the course of the government’s annihilative operations against the Abu Sayyaf, then and now, thousands of civilians, especially the Moro people, have suffered deaths and displacements and countless human rights violations such as terror-tagging, community crackdowns and massive illegal arrest and detention.
The victims of the Abu Sayyaf’s crimes deserve justice. The Filipino and Moro people deserve to be governed by a government which can ensure that life, liberty and peace is upheld and protected. This government of ours right now surely does not live up to this.
Abubakar UySecretary General
SUARA Bangsamoro - Southern Mindanao
suarabangsamoro@gmail.com
302 2nd Mabelen Building, Suazo St. corner Quezon Boulevard, Davao City
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