The reason behind the attack

THE recent NPA attack in Del Monte at Camp Phillips, Bukidnon resulted in a lot of reactions from various sectors. Most of which that I have read online were condemning the atrocities.

On my part, I was on my way home with my husband when his phone kept ringing for the nth time. And I sensed that something was really wrong.

In less than a minute, I immediately texted my Devcom teacher (one of the greatest mentors that I had) in college to know if she was doing fine. Apparently, my Mam Mayet was very anxious as she was out of town. His son and a housemaid were the only ones left.

Next, I called a few colleagues just to make sure if our field workers were all okay especially for those who were assigned in Manolo Fortich. While my husband was busy coordinating with his men, I realized some few things. Firstly, I firmly believe that violence is not the solution. The clash between NPA and the government has been existing since time immemorial. But to whose expense? It is the civilians who are suffering the consequences. I read online that they were not after the revolutionary tax but they simply would like to “remind” multinational companies how their existence affected nearby cities, particularly Cagayan de Oro, when Typhoon Sendong occurred. If this is the case, then I think mining and logging operators should begin to brace themselves at this time.

But did NPA rebels ever thought of the thousand families who will be affected when these companies cease to operate? How many workers would turn jobless? How many children would go hungry and probably stopped from going to school? And with the security guard who died, I wonder how many children are waiting for their father’s return knowing that in reality, he will never be coming back. And I can only imagine the wife who is now agonizing in pain probably blaming herself why she allowed her husband to report on that very fateful day.

I recalled the time when I went to Marawi City a few years back and chatted with prominent locals, saying that the city used to be a hub for Chinese traders way back in the ‘60s and’ 70s. When acts of violence became more rampant, slowly the traders backed off until such time that investors refused to expand or establish their business there. Surely we don’t want this situation happening again in our place.

I have always remembered Camp Phillips as a place of serenity and tranquility, where the fresh scent of pine trees and the cool breeze are for free. How I remembered going to my tita’s house during their fiesta every February 11, watching the young boys playing soccer and eventually, going there with my boyfriend to watch rodeo practice with the bull riders.

NPA rebels should have known that Del Monte has been in existence for some time and that it provided job employment not only for local residents but to other nearby municipalities and cities as well. It also contributed to alleviating the income of Manolo Fortich, the municipality where it belonged. And think of the numerous charitable endeavors that the company provided to a lot of sectors -- the youth, church, academe and even the indigenous peoples of Bukidnon.

The reasons behind all of these acts are deeply rooted. I will never understand why such doctrine or belief can be so destructive (to some extent) because I am not one of them. And I refused to become one. That I am sure of.

This is again a challenge to all of us, especially to the military, police and local authorities. There is much to be done since the implications that are evident right now can be a “break it or make it” point. Perhaps, there is a need to understand and reflect as to why these acts of cruelty are occurring. If all else fails, then maybe the definition of peace will just merely be a dream.