insurgency is OUR problem too

PGMA asks Filipinos: Help gov't in campaign vs. insurgency problem June 16, 2009 10:53 am By Zorayda S. Tecson

LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar, June 16 — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on the Filipino people on Tuesday to help the government in its campaign to get rid of the communist insurgency problem in the country by 2010.

The President, while citing the remarkable progress attained by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the drive to dismantle the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF), admitted that more efforts are still needed to resolve the 40-year-old insurgency problem.

“We have a lot of success in our fight against insurgency. However, there are more needs to be done if we are going to remove this challenge which has plagued the government for many years,” the President told a regional media interview here.

Military data as of May 2009 showed that the membership in the communist terrorist movement dropped significantly from 7,170 in 2006 to 4,874 in 2009.

The same data disclosed that from 100 guerrilla fronts in 2006, only 75 remain active.

It was also noted that the number of armaments in insurgent hands had been reduced nationwide: from 6,060 in 2006 to 5,143 in May 2009.

Likewise, the number of affected barangays had been reduced from 2,121 in 2006 to 1,378 in May 2009, the President said.

Major Gen. Arthur Tabaquero, head of the 8th Infantry Division based in Central Visayas, said he is positive that the insurgency problem, particularly in the region, will be crushed before the term of the President ends in 2010.

In Eastern Visayas, Tabaquero said that of the 11 active guerrilla fronts, seven were already dismantled, meaning only four remain active.

Of the four, two are in Samar and the remaining two are in Northern Samar, he said.

“The fight to eradicate insurgency is everyone´s fight. We all have a duty to perform and a challenge that must be met,” the Chief Executive said.

The President likewise noted the tourist attractions of Samar Island, particularly citing the Rock Formations in Biri, Capul and Gamay; the dive and snorkeling sites in San Antonio, Capul, and San Vicente; the waterfalls and caves here in Las Navas and San Antonio; the historical landmark in the Battle of Catubig.

However, she said, the tourism potentials of Samar Island have been hampered by insurgency.

“Talagang maganda ang Northern Samar, sugpuin lang natin ang insurgency para hindi matakot ang turista na pumunta dito (Northern Samar is indeed beautiful. However, we need to get rid of the insurgency problem so tourists would not be scared to come here),” she said. (PNA)

==> I don't usually agree with PGMA but when she said, “The fight to eradicate insurgency is everyone´s fight. We all have a duty to perform and a challenge that must be met” I can't help but agree.

I've always believed that the problem on insurgency is not just the problem of the government and the military nor something that could be taken for granted. The problem on insurgency is the nation's problem because everybody is affected by it.

Moreover, I've always believed also that war can never bring us the development and progress we are seeking. War divides us and what progress do we expect if we are divided? You are not helping this country by going to the mountains and revolting against the government and the people that represents it. By doing so you are contributing to the problems of the country and makes the lives of your countrymen even more difficult.

Just imagine, the government is spending millions for the insurgency problem, lives are lost, properties are ruined when, if you look at it closely, both sides wants the same thing: a better Philippines. So why don't we just work with each other and get on with this war that has already cost us a lot?

And because we can't all be soldiers, why don't we just cooperate with the government in its fight against insurgency?

I mean, think about it. In the hinterlands of Negros Island a lot of residents are forced to give food and money to the rebels when all they have are only enough for their families. Aside from that they are also in constant danger for supporting the rebels. I have the chance to interview residents of such places (both in Negros and Mindanao) and (I am sure they were not coerced to say so) they have same answers, they are scared of the rebels but they can't do anything about it. So instead of helping the government these people chose to protect the rebels instead.

Of course, I do understand why they have to. But unfortunately for them, by continually protecting the rebels they are also allowing the rebels' hold on them to continue. If the people in the hinterlands will only cooperate with the government then their sufferings will end sooner. Right?

I guess one of the reasons why our troops are having a hard time convincing these people to cooperate is because these people are heavily and thoroughly brainwashed by the other side. When you are in need, you would cling to whoever comes first and offer you something to lessen your burden---even if its nothing but promises--right?

Also, the military has always been painted as brutes and I don't think they have already erased the stigma created by the martial law days when the military was used as goons. It is evident that the military is doing a lot to reach out and take the heart of the people but they have a long road ahead. One thing, the military should learn that their uniform, instead of giving a sense of security, is really quite intimidating. The military uniform is more than a symbol of a profession, it is probably the strongest symbol of authority. Ordinary people are automatically cautious when talking to a soldier.

So far, the military is slowly gaining the trust of the people. Or at least in some places. As I've said, they still have a long way to go and they need all the help we could give.