Showing posts with label Jolo. Show all posts

0

The Kidnapping in Southern Philippines

Posted on Thursday, 16 June 2016

The Kidnapping in Southern Philippines
By Apolinario Villalobos

The kidnapping in southern Philippines has obviously become a flourishing business, a trade which actually, has an historic background. Before the Spaniards came to the shores of the archipelago, kidnapping was already among the undertakings of the inhabitants. That was the reason why the swift “vinta” was built. This kind of sleek seagoing vessel of the kidnappers was mentioned by Spanish chroniclers in history books. Kidnappers would sail as far north as the Visayan waters to conduct raids of coastal villages. In fairness to them, however, not only were they involved in this kind of “trade”, as even before the Christian era, kidnapping was also a way of life of the barbarians in the northern continents and Africa. Decapitating of the captive was also the usual ultimate action to obtain the prize which was the head, during the inter-racial wars in those regions. Practically, kidnapping was being done around the world, long ago, and is still, until today. Some countries are just discreet about this. On the other hand, in the Philippines, kidnapping has been emphasized with the emergence of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

The ASG, thought to be based in Basilan and Sulu in southern Mindanao  has sub-groups spread throughout the other islands and victims are passed on to them to waylaid the authorities. The members are well-melded with the communities where their families live. The Abu Sayyaf members live a dual life – as ordinary villagers and bandits. While waiting for ransoms, they are with their families, taking care of their babies or doing other chores. When there is a need to refurbish their dwindling cache of victims, they carry high-powered guns. How can the military, therefore, drop bombs down the villages where supposedly ASG members have been sighted, though, in the company of their wives and babies? The thick forests in the identified areas should not be used as alibis for the failure of the military to completely eradicate the ASG.

The main reason for the hesitance of the military to embark on drastic operations is obviously, humanistic. During interviews, military spokesmen always speak of their “intelligence” furnishing them with information on the location of the bandits, but why do they fail to flush out these bandits from their lair?....it’s because the military is afraid that innocents shall be caught in the crossfire!...and, the military will time and again, earn the ire of the so-called “humane groups” for killing “innocent civilians”!...and, the military will time and again, be lambasted by the Commission on Human Rights!

The only way, though, a harsh move, but with a humane touch, therefore, is to evacuate first, whole villages to “sanitized areas” under the protection of the military so that the movement of their male members can be monitored. Only then, can the military have a free hand in dropping bombs and bombarding areas where the bandits hole themselves up based on the information furnished by the military “intelligence”.

Peace has a price, costly and oftentimes inhuman. Peace was not obtained during the WWII until Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed. To obtain peace, there must always be a victor so that total control can be imposed to the vanquished. In the case of kidnapping in Mindanao committed by the ASG, such flourishing “trade” shall not be stopped, if the Philippine government will always succumb to “cautions” from the so-called “humane groups”, for the military to be very extra careful, to spare the “innocents”. Are the “innocents” being referred to by the “humane groups”, the villagers/families/relatives who protect the bandits? Have not the “humane groups” ever thought of the plight of the kidnap victims who are bound to be decapitated if they are not ransomed? Would these “humane groups” just want kidnapping to continue as it has virtually taken root too deeply, thereby, UNFAIRLY tainting the southern Philippines’ Islamic culture as the ASG members are all Muslims? It must be noted that the Filipino Muslims in general abhor such hideous act which for them is un-Islamic.



0

Insufficiency in Life of Exploited Filipinos...whose fault?

Posted on Monday, 30 June 2014



Insufficiency In Life of Exploited Filipinos
…whose fault?
By Apolinario Villalobos


 Insufficiency in life of exploited Filipinos  is not a choice but a misfortune that resulted due to the greed of compatriots “up there”. It is not fair to declare that the Badjaos, for instance, should blame themselves for their ignorance. These people tried to live decently, but the government failed to reach out to them, just because they live in almost inaccessible islands of Tawi-tawi and Sulu. The government did not put up schools in their villages so that they can have the same opportunity afforded to the rest of Filipinos living in towns and cities.

Those living in depressed areas which the hypocrites perceive as nests of hoodlums are blind to the realities that these people left their provinces because of political unrests. They went to cities with a fervent hope that they can find a new life or nurture a new one. But the indolent government people who are receiving fat wages and allowances refuse to even give them a second look as they rummage through garbage dumps for morsels of food. They are herded like animals towards the direction where government activities are held to show the world that they are solid in their support of whoever sits in Malacaῆan Palace. They endure this humiliation in exchange for a packed lunch. During campaigns for forthcoming elections, they are accused of selling their votes…but can a grumbling stomach make a choice? What about those vultures in the lawmaking halls that feed on the people’s money?

Every time the prime city of Manila expects international dignitaries, these unfortunates who find nocturnal solace in the warmth of sidewalks are “collected” and brought to the Department of Social Welfare compounds where they are “processed” – names taken, addresses noted, etc. At the end they are again let out soonest as the dignitaries have flown out of Manila.

The promised comfort of the country’s inclusion in the WTO and the frenzy of privatization remained hollow. For the real needy, the effect is not felt. Only the few got richer. The country has just become a milking cow of economically stronger nations. The country’s leaders are blaming each other for the difficulties that the country is experiencing…nobody is willing to accept even a grain of fault.

The cycle of exploitation and suffering in the Philippines is never ending. The passing of the blame is equally endless. The best way that the exploited Filipino can do is not to perceive insufficiency as a stumbling block that hinders one’s dream. Rather, it should be treated as a force that pulls one to continue moving forward, no matter what the real hindrances are. But for how long can the exploited Filipino endure it?