I was shocked when I learned that Mayor Mario Okinlay of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, was ambushed and killed by the New People’s Army (NPA). This is clearly a killing in bad faith. Mayor Okinlay had a weekly program (“Hatud Serbisyo”) of delivering basic services to the farmers in his area, and he was supportive also of peace-building efforts with the Moro National Liberation Front in Bukidnon.
The NPA rebels opposed these outreach programs of the mayor because they drew away support from the people in the area under their control. I am inclined to incite the 8th Infantry Battalion in Impasug-ong to declare an all-out offensive against the insurgents of the Central Mindanao Revolutionary Command.
—ARNOLD VAN VUGT,
O.Carm. associate,
nolvanvugt@gmail.com