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Monday, March 10, 2003
Nalzaro: The elusive peace in Mindanao
By Bobby G. Nalzaro
I am a native of Mindanao. I saw the first rays of the sun and practically spent my childhood days in my native town in Dipolog City. But I consider Zamboanga City as my second home as I frequently visited the city when my brothers were then schooling and working there. I also took my college education and started my media profession in that city.
I left the city and tried my luck here in Cebu in 1987. It was then a different Zamboanga City. Because of “professional calling” and after establishing a family, I have decided to stay here. But I am not even sure if I will settle here forever or go back to my hometown upon retirement. There is such a saying, “No matter how long the procession is, it eventually goes back to the church.” Well, I leave my fate to God.
Being a Mindanao native, I feel sad every time I hear about the peace and order situation in that island called “the Land of Promise.” I don’t know if we can still call it that as it seems to be no longer the Land of Promise but the Land of Bombings and Bullets.
Killings, bombings, massacres and encounters between government forces and Muslim rebels are already part of the day-to-day life of the natives of Mindanao, especially in the areas declared as war zones. I pity those civilians who are caught in the crossfire.
We can see families living only in shanties and makeshift huts in the various evacuation centers. My heart bleeds for them and I can only sympathize with their condition. We can see malnourished children, the elderly and sickly persons slowly dying. What is even more lamentable is that the government cannot even feed them regularly.
But I have to correct the impression of some, especially our readers abroad. It is not the entire Mindanao that is torn by trouble, only parts of it, especially Central Mindanao, which comprises the provinces of Lanao Del Sur and Del Norte, Cotabato and Maguindanao, where the running gun battle between the military and the Moro Islamic Liberation front (MILF) took place.
Other areas where peace and order is somewhat threatened are Basilan and Sulu, the base of the Abu Sayyaf rebels. Davao and Zamboanga cities are not even critical, as perceived by some sectors. But because they are fast-developing cities, they are the potential targets of terrorist activities.
The series of bombings and continuing gun battle between Muslim rebels and government forces will definitely damage the economic development and tourism industry in that area and the country as a whole. Mindanao is a potential investment capital and an ideal tourist destination. The island is a huge source of natural resources, and its beaches and historical landmarks also draw tourists.
But the way things are going, prospective investors and tourists would surely be discouraged. No businessman would be foolish enough to invest in a place where peace is threatened. I don’t know when and how the conflict there would be resolved. The lasting peace the Mindanaoanons, like me, dream and aspire for is very elusive.
Now, because of the peace and order situation in some parts of Mindanao, there are proposals to declare a martial law. Well, I think this is a good idea. This might not be the ultimate solution to the problem but this would help maintain peace and install order in the island.
The military and police should launch an all- out campaign against loose firearms. These armed groups like the MILF, MNLF, Pentagon kidnap for ransom group and the Abu Sayyaf have the guts to fight against our government forces and create trouble because they possess high-powered guns.
Get all those loose firearms now in their possession and we’ll see if they still have the courage to fight against our government.
(Send your comments and suggestions to: Bobby@sunstar.com.ph or at bgn@cebu.gmanetwork.com. My cell phone number, 09193181404)
(March 10, 2003 issue)
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