IT HAS been over half a year since the world first heard of the novel coronavirus, and much has changed since then. The months we spent in solitude due to the lockdowns or in fear of being infected have also become for many a period for reflection on the fragility of life. On one hand, thoughts on such can lead us to sorrow; on the other, they spring into a fervent desire to care for and protect life. That is why it is unsurprising that the most recent threats, which continue to emerge even during a global health crisis, to human life and the life of all creation were met with public outcry.
Last week, President Duterte signed the Anti-Terrorism Bill, turning it to law. The new legislation has been subject to the ire of many because of its questionable timing, intent, and provisions, as it breaches human rights safeguards while removing accountability from government forces that would keep them from abusing power. The law, we fear, could only worsen the impunity our people are experiencing.
This fear is not unfounded. Many were intrigued when environmental groups joined hands with human rights advocates in condemning the passing of the law. But why must they not, when, under the Duterte administration, hundreds of environmental defenders had been unjustly killed by state and private forces for standing up against environmental projects?
Many of such killings escalated from false accusations of terrorism. Even in our beloved Negros, killings continue to thrive. The 260th case of political killings of peasants under Duterte's reign happened in our home province just last June. The perilous new law clouds our hopes that it would be the last.
On the same day, the legislation was signed, the life of creatures of the sea and communities in coastal areas also met a threat in the form of an oil spill. Nearly 270,000 liters of fuel mixed with the waters of Iloilo and Guimaras after a bunker owned by the company AC Energy was said to have exploded.
This is indeed very saddening for our already ailing marine biodiversity and the livelihood of people dependent on provisions from the sea. The effects of the oil spill are feared to manifest in nearby mangrove areas. Mangroves, often called the "rainforests of the ocean," can be likened to a mother's womb: many fish and sea creatures lay their spawn in the protective roots of the trees which shield them from predators and forces of nature until such time when they too can go out and about. Even as clean-up operations are ongoing, these forms of life have already suffered and many have likely already been lost.
It is only right then to call for accountability on the part of AC Energy and for our leaders to set in place mechanisms to ensure that no such incident happens again. Moreover, we are also reminded of the complete incompatibility of destructive fossil fuels to our rich biodiversity and distinctive geography. When other technologies, namely renewables, are only waiting to be tapped, there is no reason to settle for oil and other fossil fuels that bring harm to Creation.
Indeed life on Earth is fragile. But as our Holy Father Pope Francis said, fragility is part of its beauty because we are moved to care for life "at every stage and in any condition it is found." We realize that the opportunity to uphold the preservation and dignity of life sometimes comes in the form of calling out crimes against nature, and sometimes in resisting injustice being forced into the laws of our lands. I pray that we are granted the courage to do so. In these troubled times, may our hope for better days and our care for others be unwavering.