We, residents of Gingoog City, thank the Philippine National Red Cross and the Red Cross ambulance that brought our mayor, Ruthie Guingona, to the nearest hospital to save her life after she was ambushed by elements of the New People’s Army. Likewise, we thank the Philippine Air Force for helping in the effort. Their presence and quick response really mattered during that unfortunate incident.
We condemn the NPA attack because it was clearly meant to murder civilians. It was not enough that the NPA said it was sorry for the attack. NPA spokesman Jorge Madlos even offered to pay the relatives of the dead victims with some amount of money. The offer disgusts us; Human life is precious; it should not be regarded as something that money can buy: “Parang isang bagay na pagkatapos gamitin ay itatapon at babayaran.” This is so unfair to our townmates who died in the ambush, and to Mayor Guingona, a defenseless elderly woman.
We hope that such senselessness will not be repeated. The NPA hurt our mayor and killed her bodyguards. What happens now to the families of the two men?
The ruthlessness of the NPA must stop. Their continuing attacks on civilians and their extortion spree especially during elections are making a mockery of Filipinos’ love for democracy and freedom, aside from making more widows and orphans.
—ROSEAMOR BRAVO,
broseamor@yahoo.com