Watch out for Incidents

While our AFP is now busy and preoccupied running after Muslim rebels and armed groups in Central Mindanao, expect more incidents involving the CPP-NPA-NDF within the next few days nationwide. NDF is marking its anniversary on March 29 and this is their way of telling us that they are still around to reckon with. Remember the recent Mati City raid by the NPAs of a downtown police station? It came days after the AFP announced that the area was already cleared of insurgency.

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KEEP TALKING—That reminds me. I cannot understand why there is no resumption of peace talks with the communist insurgents. We know that for as long as we keep talking in the negotiations table, we avoid or minimize violence and fighting. And we somehow move closer to addressing root causes of conflict.

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STRATEGIC HANDLING—I learned from my experience in government that the capability of our armed and security forces to deal with armed threats in many fronts at the same time is limited. Hence, our national strategy must deal on how to prevent simultaneous eruption of conflict and avoid opening up new fronts to handle. Sadly, I do not see this happening today.

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AFTERMATH—We are almost two months after Mamasapano but things are getting worse. The BBL continues to hang in the balance in Congress. I was told Congress will not only water it down but may “mutilate” it. Whether or not MILF will accept the “mutilation” is not known. The MILF lost so much goodwill and there is serious doubt as to whether it can lead the bangsamoro to peace. Even President Aquino continues in his “denial” mode and now blames totally the SAF chief Col. Napenas for the fiasco.

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WINNING BACK—In the meantime, we cannot wait for “kingdom come”. It may be good to get development projects on stream in the bangsamoro at this time. It’s a WIN-WIN alternative. Whatever happens, we improve the lives of people. One way also for MILF to win back lost goodwill and support is by partnering with government for development work while BBL is still being worked out.

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CHINESE SHOW—The JILIN ART TROUPE from the People’s Republic of China was a delight to the locals performing at the SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang last Monday. Jilin is about 1,000 kilometers north east of capital Beijing. They came to Davao City as part of the Araw ng Dabaw celebration and to mark the 40th year anniversary of Philippine-China diplomatic relations.