‘Yolanda’s’ message for the NPA

Tragedy may be a challenge but it also presents an opportunity.

When a tsunami devastated Aceh, a part of the Republic of Indonesia, on Dec. 26, 2004, its leaders rose above the tragedy. Aceh was until then always riven by political strife, resisting colonizers, even the government of Jakarta. The tsunami killed many of its inhabitants, but its recovery from that disaster was fast.

The destruction was massive, just like in Leyte and nearby provinces. But through it all, Aceh found peace and reached a peace agreement with the Indonesian government. It now enjoys peace and total progress is near.

Taking a lesson from Aceh, the leaders of the New People’s Army might find it in their hearts to make peace with the Philippine government. As it is, the focus of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is “hati” (divided): It must deal with the insurgency and other armed groups and, at the same time, it is being called to assist in calamities and tragedies.

Where there is peace, progress follows. Tragedies bring out the best in all of us, but if we continue to fight, Filipino against Filipino, nothing will happen to us. Let’s take the Aceh experience seriously. It should be an eye opener for our NPA brothers and sisters, many of whom are also victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda.”

Through the sufferings it brought upon us, Yolanda has shown us that we are one, that a common thread binds us together more strongly than any belief can ever divide us—and we hope our NPA brothers and sisters would realize this fact more clearly. Indeed, if peace holds in our country, we will all be happier and our people will be more progressive.

—FELIX G. BUCE JR.,
OFW, Qatar/Susana Heights,
Muntinlupa City