WHEN there is troop deployment in a particular area that simply signifies that there is a breakdown of peace and order.
In Negros, the integrity of our province could still be managed by our town, city, and provincial officials. We do not need additional elements from the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police to live in peace.
The wisdom behind Memorandum Order No. 32 is to “suppress lawless violence and acts of terror.” Should our province be a subject of this?
To what extent is the degree of lawless violence and act of terror in Negros?
We read in the papers that dozens of policemen are getting awards for their outstanding performances including our Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (Nocppo) directors.
Investments are coming into Negros. Our public officials are reaping recognition for their achievements.
In the previous years, the army commanders in Negros were claiming that our province is peaceful and there is only a handful of New People’s Army (NPA) in the province.
Many have surrendered. Some are getting old and quietly retired. We do not know if these are based on facts or simply a part of the sweet propaganda.
Many of the Negrosanons have been to others provinces and they are convinced that Negros is still good (better than the others).
Our province should not be covered by proclamation NO. 55 wherein President Digong declared a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence.
Negros Occidental is not Marawi. Peace and order is our asset.
That could be the reason why the 5th International Rondalla Festival was held in Silay recently; why the 13th Negros Island Organic Farmers’ Festival was a success; why 400 delegates attended Micecon 2018 in Bacolod; why Megaworld is here.
Our public officials, industry leaders, and church ministers should tell President Digong that Negrosanons could manage their peace and order concerns.
Our police and army officials can testify and assure the president that problems on forced disappearance, extrajudicial killings, massacres, and other human rights violations could be handled properly following due process without additional forces.
There is no group in Negros that seeks to overthrow the government, impair the independence of the nation, or dismember any portion of the island.
President Digong, instead, should help the Negrosanons to solve the problems of mass poverty and massive unemployment. Send us more engineers, more doctors, more nurses, more teachers, and create more opportunities for jobs.
We all agree that it is the primordial responsibilities of the government to serve and protect the people.
Political stability and economic prosperity can be attained only when our people enjoy the blessing of independence and democracy.