By Kahlil Urmila Virola Gardiola on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 10:48am
For
the past two days, this status has been gaining popularity: I condemn
the ABS CBN TV Patrol POLL dated October 20, 2011 for irresponsibly
asking a complex question: "Papayag ba kayo na itigil na peace talks at
mag ALL OUT WAR na laban sa MILF?" While 97% voted for YES, does this
follow that 97% wants to stop the peace talks AND at the same time
launch an ALL OUT WAR against the MILF? Let us not allow a question to
compromise the peace talks. NO to sensationalizing of news and complex
question. YES to fairness and accuracy of news! MEDIA, KNOW YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY!!! [Please post this in your status until it reaches the
mainstream]. It still riddles me as to the orginal source of the post,
but it spread like wildfire over FB, specially among Mindanawons;
Manilenyos; people from Luzon, Visayas and Pinoys based in other
countries who are aware of what's really happening.
I
am really saddened by the question AND result of the TV PATROL poll
last October 20. Yes, there are lots of unfortunate things happening
again here in the South. The majority of Filipinos are again prone to
being drawn to confusion, irritation, anger, hatred, and worst--apathy.
These flames are fanned further with misinformation; one-sided
information; and people in positions who can greatly influence
perception and sentiments.
As
your sister and fellow Filipino in our life journey, all I ask is for
each of us to stay vigilant and always check and double check the
information we are "handed" and most of all, not be influenced by black
propaganda. For most people outside the conflict areas, especially those
who don't know the real deal behind the issues, it all just seems
confusing and pathetic, but for people here in Mindanao; specially those
working on the ground; working for peace and trying to uphold the
ceasefire and peace process (THIS ALSO INCLUDES mechanisms inside the
Armed Forces of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front such
as the Joint Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities; Local Monitoring
Teams; their subordinates, as well as International and Local
representatives of the International Monitoring Team (IMT)--which I am
also a part of). For these people working on the ground, and ESPECIALLY
for people who LIVE WITHIN the conflict areas... every prejudiced word
uttered, every wrong information, every decision made by people in high
positions (mostly people in Manila and some who wants to protect their
personal interests here in Mindanao), spells possible agitation, panic,
violent conflict and displacement of thousands of families.
In
truth, if you don't already know, there are still hundreds of thousands
of Internally Displaced People (evacuees) living in temporary shelters
(because of the wars and some skirmishes before and after 2000, 2001,
2003, 2008 etc) up until now. The last thing we would want to happen
again is an ALL OUT WAR like the one declared by Estrada in 2000. THAT
WAR ALONE displaced almost a Million civilians. Yes, there are also
internal conflicts such as RIDO, and some breakaway groups, but this
only shows how complex the situation is, and how we are treading on
fragile ground. Hence, it would be best if we leave the work to the
authorities whose mandate is dealing with these particular issues--let
them investigate and serve justice for those who deserve justice.
Another unknown fact, for the past 10 years, since the the
implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement between the Government of the
Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the
communities are replete with success stories and life-saving experiences
that are yet to be told and shared to a wider audience. Official
records of the government and the MILF show 608 incidents of
confrontation in 2002, which dropped to 10 in 2005 and only three in
2010. To add, when the government and MILF went back to negotiations,
Mindanao experienced growth from 2005-2007, until clashes resumed in
2008 due to the controversies surrounding the now defunct MOA-AD.
For
those who are calling for an All Out War, DO NOT call for something out
of emotional outrage, especially without even hearing the other side of
the story; and without considering the huge implications of what you
are suggesting. It has been a long arduous and painful journey towards
peace... please do not compromise these efforts just 'cause you are
feeling perplexed about things you see on mainstream media. Besides,
let's not forget, that in the first place, all this struggle is rooted
on the injustices done unto the Bangsamoro people. Justice for the
Bangsamoro has long been overdue, and we are not making things better by
spreading hatred against the Moros with misinformed and prejudiced
declarations.
So,
as your sister, I ask of you to please, please, stay cautious, get to
know the real stories, don't spread the hatred and prejudice, help us
achieve a lasting political settlement (to finally end all these), pray
for us, whitelight, and just spread your love... ♥ Thanks and God Bless
us all.
Ayyi "My TRUTH Empowers"