It saddens me to read posts and comments in the social media from people so eagerly calling for an all-out war when the alternative of peace has been laid out in front of them. Their rage is understandable after the Mamasapano incident that killed 44 of our brave policemen. But spilling more blood, including those of innocent civilians, can never be justified on the basis of any emotional experience.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law has received plenty of criticisms in the past few months. Even without the Mamasapano incident, a lot of questions will still be thrown at the proposed law and that would be understandable. That is how democracy works. But there is no reason to call for an all-out war; a peace process is in progress and it is meant to end the war here in Mindanao; the Special Action Force was precisely sent to Mamasapano to stop extremists who were intent on aggravating the conflict situation in Mindanao.
I think many people in the social media need to take a step back and reflect on what they are asking for. Rejecting altogether the proposed solution that would pave the way for peace to reign in Mindanao is foolhardy.
Justice will continue to be sought for the families of the Fallen 44, and peace for all the Mindanaoans, especially for those directly affected by the cruelties of war.
—JANICE R. SERAFIN, janicerserafin@yahoo.com