Wednesday, August 06, 2008 Malilong: Disgraceful and dishonorable surrender By Frank Malilong The Other Side
THE Mindanao problem is without doubt a very sensitive issue. I do not think that there is a solution to the deep-rooted and decades-old conflict that will not touch some raw nerves here and there.
The impossibility of a solution that can satisfy, or at least appease, everyone is again shown by the general reaction--–from lukewarm to suspicious and downright hostile--–to the peace agreement that was supposed to have been signed in Malaysia yesterday.
I, too, want peace in Mindanao, former Senate president Franklin Drilon was heard saying on TV yesterday morning. We all do or at least profess that we do. But at what cost and upon what terms, that is the question.
Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin Jr. warns that signing the agreement means committing voluntary dismemberment. We can’t cede away any part of the national territory.
Deposed president Erap Estrada agrees. “We all desire peace in Mindanao,” he was quoted as saying, “but it must not be obtained at the expense of our territorial integrity and certainly not by methods that desire transparency and are in apparent haste.”
I could see the ex-actor smirking: “I already destroyed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, driving away their soldiers and pulverizing their camps. But you booted me out unceremoniously and then gave back to the enemy everything that I’ve won.”
Indeed, this is the part that makes the proposed settlement difficult to swallow for some people; they look at it as disgraceful and dishonorable surrender. This is why you hear people loudly protesting “treachery.”
This is what prodded North Cotabato Vice Gov. Emmanuel Pinol to warn of an escalated armed conflict in his province if the agreement pushes through. The Christian leader stopped short of asking his people to rise in arms in telling them “to be prepared for the worst” in defending their homes, families and communities.
This is a time for sobriety and I expect the President to make that call, to ask the people to have faith in her because not only is she firmly in control she also has the best interests of the nation at heart.
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the one in which Peter asked Jesus to command him to walk on the water to meet him. After the Lord obliged his request, Peter started walking but soon noticed the strong winds and became afraid.
As he began to sink down in the water, Peter asked, “Save me, Lord.” Jesus stretched out his hand and after helping his disciple, told him: “You of little faith. Why did you doubt?”
If and when this nation is in danger of sinking (if it isn’t yet), who do we call to save us? Whose hand are we going to hold on to?
Mrs. Arroyo’s?
Even now when there is increased saber-rattling in Mindanao, many people still think that her government’s agreement with the MILF is nothing more than a ploy to amend the Constitution so she can stay in power beyond her term.
The people don’t just doubt her; they distrust and suspect her.
And the saddest part of all is that she doesn’t have any claim to moral authority to remonstrate that we are of such little faith.
