Only herself to blame

It is a fact that captured members of the New People’s Army were given adequate care and treatment by the military. And many of them have recognized this fact, and have been very thankful to the military for giving them attention, understanding and a helping hand.

I recall Jelyn Dayong. She was a minor when her companions left her after an encounter because of her injuries. When the military found her, she was brought to the hospital for treatment. She has since embraced democracy and is now a sergeant in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. There are many others who have found a place in the military and their own future in a democratic society.
In contrast, Andrea Rosal, a ranking NPA leader arrested in Southern Tagalog, is blaming police authorities for her baby’s death. She claims she was depressed when she delivered her child who contracted pneumonia. Her baby died not because of her captivity or the circumstances of her arrest.

As in past experiences, the military helps those in need, regardless of whether they are friend or foe; unlike members of the NPA who, based on what we hear from media reports and from their own testimonies, leave behind their wounded or dying companions during encounters. Andrea’s baby was in fragile health condition because Andrea, as an active NPA member, spent her life under very trying conditions even when she was already pregnant. The stress of her being constantly on the run, moving from one place to another, was a major cause of the baby’s frail health. Andrea was not living the normal life demanded of an expectant mother. Even though she was already on the family way, she exerted herself into a lingering feeling of exhaustion. She did not take care of herself as demanded by her pregnancy.

It’s unfair to blame the authorities for the situation she put herself in. She has nobody to blame but herself.

—JULIE MERCENE,

mercene_julie@yahoo.com