‘Name recall for Filipino soldiers is courage’

I felt so disgusted upon reading Ramon Tulfo’s May 2 column (“Gazmin’s peace initiative toward NPA”). Tulfo took issue with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin’s peace initiative with the New People’s Army, specifically on his preference to talk peace at the local level so that soldiers and rebels will not fight. Tulfo said this approach to peace would make soldiers appear like cowards.

The road to peace has many potholes and Secretary Gazmin was just making a proposal.

As someone who has a brother in the military, I would like to say that soldiers find fulfillment in what they do,  and if there is a need to die, they are not going to slink away from duty.

Sometime ago, my brother, together with his men, nearly met his death in Compostela Valley.  Even after being seriously wounded, he wants to get back to his uniform to resume his duties.  How far will soldiers go to perform their duties?  Tulfo, I am sure, knows the answer.

I doubt if the term coward will ever stick in the minds of readers and our people.  The name recall for soldiers is courage.

—BONITA FE S. CALIZO,

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