Res Gestae
War against child 'warriors'
I would not be greatly bothered if half of this nation's population is a member of the New People's Army (NPA). Of course, I may not agree with the ideologies or political agenda that they are fighting for, but I have to maintain that every person deserves consideration, if respect is really hard to give, on what he believes in! I am referring to basic democracy, or at least the minimum exercise of it.
The NPAs, though being considered as enemies of the State, may be a hero for some. I do submit to the contention that "One man's terrorist is another man's hero." Many claimed to have received justice on their kin's death (or whatever kind of trouble they had been into) with the help of the NPAs. Well, NPAs need not apply for a Warrant of Arrest and go on years of trials in court against suspected criminals. They effect "justice" immediately as long as the kin of the victim identify the suspect/s in the commission of the crime. In short, their "justice system" is less complicated... less tedious.
For a few, the NPA's way is more efficient mode of obtaining justice. But, this is one thing that I could not agree with. I don't believe that NPA's "justice system" is sane. I still believe in the rule of law! I still trust our court!
Other than the NPA's so-called "justice system," the alleged use of minors as combat operatives is another thing which I abhor. Recruiting our minors to be their "warriors" is but a desperate move of this group! It is obviously terroristic! I mean it is an extreme insanity for those who pretend that they are pro-progress, pro-democracy or pro-people yet their actions are contrary to any of these thrusts. Besides, using the innocents in advancing one's ideological interests does not deserve consideration in any way. If the NPAs are truly concerned with the future of this country, it must spare the young from corruption, if not total destruction.
Truly, if the allegations were true, I would never make a second thought at referring the NPAs as the enemies not only of the "present" State but especially the "future" State. Is it not that the youth is the hope of the fatherland? If it is so, putting our youth at the frontline of the defense (offense) is but tantamount to robbing this country of its future... its existence.
There were already lots of reports on encounters revealing that young NPAs (minors aging 12 to 16 years old) were discovered (when most of them was already dead) fighting or have fought against the government forces. It is alarming! Imagine how many of our youth are still at the mountains believing and fighting for ideologies, which I strongly doubt if their fragile minds could really understand.
I may not have statistics showing the number of deaths every month... every week... every day... of minor members of NPA. But, I am confident to make this call for a concerted effort against the alleged rampant recruitment of minors by NPAs. While it is not yet too late for this country, we have to wage a war against the NPAs for giving guns... stealing the opportunity for our young to enjoy their rights to a peaceful community... to living with their families... to begin shaping their future and ours inside their classrooms... in their playgrounds... and in their homes!
Indeed, it would be always more rational for us to act on our doubts than waiting the reality unfold before our very eyes in times we are helpless to stop it! Let the war begin! Now!
(Send your comments and suggestions to rogatepnp@yahoo.com).