Betrayal , Animosity, and Distrust

…what’s next after the Mamasapano massacre?

By Apolinario Villalobos

Betrayal breeds animosity and distrust. The lesson learned from betrayal that results to fissures in a cordial relationship comes belatedly, always. Also, lessons may not be learned directly, but come as some kind of caution.

In the case of the Mamasapano massacre, it is alleged that past operations of the Philippine National Police SAF to snare the two terrorists, Abdulbasit Usman and Zulkipli Bin Hir alias Marwan went to naught due to suspected leak of information when coordination was made with other agencies. And, there’s also the big question on why the MILF tolerated the presence of the international terrorists in their “territory” that gives a semblance of cuddling. So, how can the PNP be assured that the next operation they shall undertake will not be leaked if the SOP coordination will be made? At the end, the SAF decided to go ahead without the necessary coordination…and the rest of the story is about the tragic massacre!

The only flak of the SAF is allegedly, getting the shots from the suspended PNP Chief Allan Purisima, although, an OIC has already been appointed in his stead. It is insinuated then, that Purisima would like to earn the credit if ever the operation will be successful, to vindicate himself from graft cases filed against him. But, what Purisima forgot to consider is the technical aspect, he, being suspended and therefore, not supposed to be giving orders. So, even if the operation will be successful without a single casualty, for instance, Purisima will stil be slapped with technicalities! Obviously, Purisima was blinded by his greed for glory, and in the process, betrayed the sincerity of the SAF in carrying out their noble duties, if indeed, the allegations are true.

On the other hand, the MILF betrayed the trust of the government while it is sincerely negotiating with the former for a lasting peace in Mindanao, by cuddling the terrorists, practically, protecting them, and playing ignorant to the international clamor for their eradication. Add to that its seemingly maintained good relationship with the BIFF that it purports as a “breakaway” group. The BIFF has been declared by the government as a terrorist group, on the same level with the Abu Sayyaf and the Misuari faction of the MNLF. And, MILF knows for a fact that the government forces are practically scouring nooks and crannies of Mindanao, looking for the said terrorists. Despite such knowledge, the MILF is blind to the hectic effort of the government. And, with regard to the Mamasapano massacre, MILF washes its hands by declaring shamelessly the lack of coordination from the end of the SAF!

THERE COULD HAVE BEEN NO MAMASAPANO MASSACRE, IF ONLY MILF HAS SURRENDERED THE TERRORISTS LONG TIME AGO, YET, AND IT DOES NOT TOLERATE THE PRESENCE OF THE BIFF IN THEIR TURF.  CAN THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT, THEN, STILL TRUST THE LEADERSHIP OF THE MILF DESPITE ITS BLATANT DISPLAY OF BETRAYAL OF THE TRUST GIVEN TO THEM? THE MILF LEADERSHIP SHOWED A QUESTIONABLE PROFICIENCY IN CIVIL GOVERNANCE BY ITS INABILITY TO CONTROL ITS MEN WHO COMMITTED BARBARIC ACTS. THE MAMASAPANO MASSACRE PROVED THAT THEY ARE ONLY GOOD FOR COMBATS. HOW CAN THEY BE EFFECTIVE AS CIVILIAN LEADERS IF BANGSAMORO MATERIALIZES? ARE ORDINARY MINADANOANS, BOTH MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS ASSURED OF PROTECTION AND FAIR GOVERNANCE? CAN BANGSAMORO PEACEFULLY EXIST WITH TERRORISTS IN ITS MIDST? 

IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT REGRETS, COME ALWAYS AT THE END. THE MORE THAN THREE HUNDRED REBELS TRAINED BY MARWAN AND USMAN ARE ROAMING MINDANAO AND ON THEIR OWN THEY CAN FORM GROUPS OF TERRORISTS/EXTORTIONISTS AND THEIR ACTIVITIES CAN SPILL OVER TO OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY, EVEN ALL OVER ASIA. WHAT WILL STOP INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST GROUPS TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THESE LOCAL TERRORISTS TO AUGMENT THEIR OPERATION, AS CLEARLY, CONNECTIONS HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE?