Heartless

The country is in mourning for the 44 soldiers who were massacred last week in Mamasapano, Maguindanao by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters better known as the MILF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom fighters (BIFF).

In times like this, what is expected of a President? He should be able to clearly explain what happened. He should not sound defensive or confused. He should rush to the scene or at least to the area where the dead bodies have been collected. Next, he should right away console with the families of the dead. But where was he? The country was shocked to see him smiling and enjoying a ride at the grand opening of a car factory. These very actions that he chose not to do nor prioritize define him. It shows the kind of spirit he has and many are not happy about it.

When soldiers die for their country, the least a president can do is give them a heroes’ welcome. A leader not to mention the commander-in-chief who cares for his countrymen will always prioritize the aggrieved over any other obligations scheduled for the day. This is the role he chose to take and so, he must live up to the expectations of the people. When President Obama visited India last week, he had to cut short his trip missing out in visiting the Taj Mahal because he had to condole with the family of the King of Saudi Arabia. This is expected of a leader, to give importance to human relationships over business. How insensitive of Malacañang to say that he had prior commitments. Sanamagan!

Now after all the talk, we can easily say that it was the President himself with ‘suspended’ PNP Chief Purisima who planned this attack without the knowledge of PNP OIC Deputy Director-General Espina and DILG Secretary Mar Roxas. In such circumstances, shouldn’t the President be ashamed of himself? If he has any conscience left, he should resign. The death of these men is in his hands. Has he forgotten the meaning of the phrase, “command responsibility?”

A PNP source of one of our dailies, The Tribune revealed that, “The President was actually monitoring the operation. Everything was being reported to him in real time. Aquino was in Zamboanga at that time waiting in the wings for the outcome of the operation, ready to jump anytime to Maguindanao should the two suspected terrorists be captured. But when the operation went out of control as the MILF and the BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters) joined forces in attacking the SAF, the President refused to send any reinforcement even as the SAF were already crying for help from their beleaguered position.”

During the necrological service at Camp Bagong Diwa last Friday, most of the bereaved wives, mothers or fathers did not have the gall to even look at the President while he was going through his ceremonial routine of giving the posthumous awards. They have been hurt so deeply and disturbed with what had happen.

P-Noy should feel the pulse of the people. Didn’t he feel the same sorrow and anger when his father died? At the necrological service in Camp Bagong Diwa, we thought he would sing a different tune, that of sympathy and regret. Instead he spoke about himself again. The nation is weeping. And he still can’t get it!

After all the coldness, insensitivity and callousness of the President and his staff, many Filipinos feel very bad, very sad and very disappointed. He has done the highest form of insult to our country and our people. Everyone listening to his delayed speech last Wednesday expected more from a President. But all we got was reasoning to protect himself from the terrible mistake he has committed. Was he actually blaming the dead and justifying the acts of the MILF?

By the way, this is the best time for Mar Roxas to reflect on his role in government. He should realize by now how he has been used all this time like a puppet. He has just been such a gentleman not to react but instead continue to take in all the flak that was actually caused by the president and those close to him. Don’t get me wrong, Mar can actually still save himself from all these and come out a winner. Save yourself Mar, now is the best time for you.

A death of a soldier is painful because we all know that each soldier died in battle for his the country. They fought in the field for us. They sacrificed their families leaving their parents, wives and children. How can you sleep Mr. President knowing that there are forty-four families grieving and a nation so confused with your words and actions?

Every person I have seen has shown sorrow and has wept over this tragedy. Why do we weep this much? Why? At times when confusion casts a shadow behind us, we find solace in words. My late father Maximo V. Soliven was a staunch supporter of our men in uniform. He has written many poems, prose and columns about them. Here is one that will make us ponder on the lives of the forty-four PNP Special Action Force men who lost their lives in battle putting duty above self.

Shall we not grieve at the parting as the veil of the sky is rent; Sorrowed awhile at returning a life the Almighty has lent; Yet thankful for the slumber his love for us has sent?

Shall we not sorrow at leaving knowing that this is the end; Hearing the voices of angels above us as they bend; And glimpse a tear and a prayer burst forth from the heart of a friend?

Sorrow and joy at life’s twilight; Sleep! Rest in peace, thou dead. Others are toiling and striving and the playguards of battle run red! When the toiler goes home in the gloaming why should tears be shed?

Their work is over, the bugles call, forbear and let them sleep; other men shall stand the guard and watch on the ramparts keep; the plow drives clean on the war-fouled field and the crops spring forth again.