Duterte needs the people as much as the people need him

I am one of the many political activists and peace advocates in our beloved land. Since childhood it has been my dream to see the elusive peace our people have been pursuing in this troubled land for years finally reign in our time. It has also been my aspiration for years to see this country of ours truly free, independent and sovereign, with our people living in an atmosphere of peace, where justice rules.

I believe President Duterte is also launching a war on poverty and corruption. I believe, too, that the majority of our people, including those waging liberation wars in the mountains as well as those in the plains, are on the same plane as he is. Here, there is a lot of common denominators for us all to work on. I know he needs the people, as much as the people need him in this fight.

With the sociopolitical happenings in our country today, let’s continuously pay serious attention to the issue of peace and order, and to the stability of our nation. Let us keep the peace talks rolling forward for the benefit of all.

I am appealing earnestly to the President, as the commander in chief of our Armed Forces and head of state, to heed the clamor for peace to reign in our land. I also respectfully suggest that the President restrain state forces from conducting more attacks and to keep them in “parade rest” as they keep a nationalist mindset and orientation, as true servants of the Filipino people.

These days, we are going through delicate, complicated sociopolitical developments brought about by conflicting interests and contradictions between the people and

antipeople elements in our society. In a fragile situation such as we have now, we must adjust and learn how to handle the many contradictions with utmost care and attention, so they would not turn into full-blown or large-scale confrontations. In view of this, it is urgent on our part to make peace viable and to look for ways on how to deal and finally resolve every issue, especially poverty and corruption.

Our problems are our problems. If we are the problem, then we ourselves are the solution. We know that unstopped, wars will cause division, destruction and death among people and to the environment.

Let us learn from the sociopolitical and historical dark sides that Asians, who waged wars of liberation, experienced. The Filipino people are not afraid of wars, but they prefer peace to wars. Let peace go marching on, let us all march toward peace. Now.

Mabuhay ang mga nagtataguyod ng kapayapaan!

Shalom!

Pro Deo et Patria!

REV. FR. ANTONIO Q. TAYCO, Iglesia Filipina Independiente