Back to the dark ages

If Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. would have his way, I am quite sure he would like to set up military detention camps in colleges and universities, because this man obviously would like to criminalize the antigovernment thoughts of the youth.

I could not think of anything more unpatriotic, un-Filipino and downright criminal than anyone trying to suppress thoughts and ideas about other human beings. The man and his unit clearly belong to the Dark Ages.

This type of pronouncements just reinforces my negative perception of the Armed Forces as a group whose only task is to terrorize the civilian populace, but are unable to fight off foreign incursions. The task of rounding up the New People’s Army or armed bandits should be relegated to the police. The military should only be used to assist, but not to engage, unless requested.

In the meantime, they should stay in their barracks or be directed to help Filipinos who are currently mired in disasters.

JOSE SANTAMARIA, j_e_santamaria@hotmail.com