Make peace, not war

Now is the time to give our support to President Aquino’s stand for all-out justice, and not all-out war. It is human nature to react violently to a sudden loss or defeat. But what happened to the 19 soldiers in Al-Barka and others does not justify any call for revenge and more bloodshed.

An all-out war brings about nothing but more misery and suffering, especially to those who are affected by the escalation of hostilities. Already, thousands of our fellow Filipinos have fled their homes and have been dislocated. Of course, we do not want this problem to continue, and to worsen even more. For when the day comes when the war turns “all-out,” it would be the start of our nation’s doom.

For one, we will be known as a war-torn country, an image that can only worsen our economic situation and drive away instead those who want to invest or visit a country like ours.

Peace is still the best option. Many critics want to put the President down, but he has only the safety of the people in mind and the goal to win the peace.

President Aquino trusts the military and police, and people will join hands to ensure that all those behind the ceasefire violations will be brought to justice.

Let us be reminded that the road to peace is long and arduous. But we Filipinos are ready to endure the hardships and challenges that we will meet on that road. And we must rally behind the government in its desire to achieve its long-term goals to win peace not only with the MILF but with all threat groups.

—MIDA B. ESPINOSA,

espinosamida@yahoo.com