To kill or not to kill

Last January 25, 44 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Special Action Force (SAF) were mercilessly killed at Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao through the hands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). The ambush took place during the team’s mission, which involved the detaining of the group’s explosive experts, Zulkifli Abdhir and Basit Usman. And as it turns out to be, the mission failed with massive casualties and an inhumane ending for those who only followed orders from the top of the chain.

In the aftermath of this horrific incident, the Philippine government is retaliating by promising justice for the Fallen 44, who is now dubbed as the heroes of today and the legends of tomorrow. The first step made by the government is the suspension of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Senators, who supported the ongoing peace process between militant groups, also expressed their withdrawal from any efforts being made towards reconciliation. As of today, both houses of the legislative branch have effectively made it known that any form of peace between the state and the militants is slowly eroding. On the other hand, the executive branch, headed by the Philippine President, declared that January 30 shall be known as a “National Day of Mourning” and that the Bangsamoro Basic Law should be the priority of the government. The Filipino people who are standing on the side of the state is now in unison as it screams for justice and peace in honor of the Fallen 44. And as you may or may not have noticed, local police forces and military personnel wear black armbands to show their sympathy for their comrades.

While the rest of the story has yet to unfold, as a Lasallian who is safe from the crossfire and the tension building between the state and the militants in Mindanao, this issue is more relevant than most of us think. The crossfire is changing sites, and slowly, but surely, it will find its way into the heart of the country. This is the problem with not knowing when to stop. This is also the reason why even if the Philippine President did not show up at the arrival of the Fallen 44, he remains to be somewhat commendable for his actions towards the Bangsamoro Basic Law. However, the president of this country cannot act alone when it comes to pursuing peace and security. Indeed, the Mindanao based militants fired first and drew blood from their own countrymen. But will we continue killing each other until each and every Filipino is left with no choice but to bear arms of their own? The basic definition of crossfire is that it means gunfire from two or more directions passing through the same area. What the Philippine government is doing now is retaliating, which will then lead to another attack from the other side of the country. The question now is whether Manila will be the one who is in between the crossfire of the state and MILF and/or BIFF. For all we know, members of the group has already made their way to Luzon and is planning where to commit the next bloodbath. This is not a piece to threaten or to scare you, but rather this is facing the reality the Philippines gave us.

The massacre of the 44 members of the PNP-SAF are horrendous and beyond forgiveness. It is an inhumane act that are suffered by the relatives and friends left behind by the fallen heroes. Justice is needed to appease the souls of those who bravely fought for the country’s safety. However, justice in the form of another bloodbath will just lead to another bloodbath, which then will lead to war. A war between fellow countrymen that will never end and get every single Filipino involved in the crossfire. Pursue justice, but pursue it together with its end. The need to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law has now reached its utmost importance. Before more families are left behind, and before its own men spill more Filipino blood, end this strife. We sympathize and offer our condolences to those who have lost a loved one, husband, father, brother, and friend. Let those who committed the gravest crime of taking one’s life as he begs for mercy receive the justice that is due. But let those who live in the present enjoy life in peace to see the future that the Fallen 44 have valiantly fought for with their last breath. And at the end of the day, I’m sure that each and every single one of us shares the same sentiment when I say that we all rather live life in peace than to rest in peace six-feet under.