Hostage

Media’s spotlight is currently focused on the three International Red Cross volunteers held captive by the Abu Sayyaf and what grim fate awaits them in the next few hours. Tension grips, not just their families and colleagues, but the international community as well because how this drama will ultimately unfold would no less be a  testament to how our leaders run our country from within. Whichever way you look at it, one cannot help but criticize how the crisis was handled. Of course, there will be long term repercussions in terms of how the Philippines as a country, will be perceived in the international community. If we cannot even quell local skirmishes and do something about so-called petty bandits, how can we protect our interests in the larger community of nations. Chip Tsao’s statement about the Philippines being a nation of servants may be appalling but I find it more eye-opening than insulting. Seriously, how can we expect other states to back off if we cannot even handle our own mess?

If the Abu Sayyaf is really a band of bandits, why is the government negotiating with them? I thought the official policy is not to give in to the demands of terrorists? If the Abu Sayyaf can do this and get away, what will stop any other organized crime group from doing the same? This negotiation thing is really setting a bad precedent.

It may be worth mentioning, however, that aside from the ICRC volunteers several public school teachers were also abducted although their plight did not receive as much media attention. One of them who just had undergone an operation reportedly even died while in captivity due to her weak condition.

If the enemy is fighting dirty, would you still stick to the rules of the game? 

Poverty and neglect, it is said, has turned Mindanao into a cowboy country were young men are driven into lawlesness and banditry. But leadership and responsible governance also prove that change can happen and people need not live in a perennial state of fear and hopelessness. Davao, undoubtedly one of the most peaceful provinces in the Philippines, thrives not only because of the political will of its embattled governor but because of the tacit support of his policies by the people. Of course, some would argue that curbing criminality through state sanctioned death squads is far from being peaceful. But really, is there a better alternative? Seriously can all these talks about human rights, due process, and legal means, save a community from rape, kidnapping, robbery, pillage and murder? Before people can learn to respect the law, they must fear the law. Unfortunately, we are not yet a nation of law-abiding individuals–we are not yet even a nation.

I bet all three Red Cross volunteers have long prepared themselves for the worst. This is an occupational hazard that comes with development work. Nevertheless, the ICRC volunteers purportedly could not help but express their dismay about how government is handling the negotiations for their release.

Which makes one wonder: who is really taking them hostage, the Abu Sayyaf or the government?