MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III should apologize for his insensitivity when he did not attend ceremony for the slain members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) who were killed in the Mamasapano, Maguindanao, a retired bishop said on Thursday.
Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani Jr. said the public was disappointed with the president for his absence at the Villamor Airbase heroes' welcome for the slain SAF police commandos.
"Nakakalungkot, hindi lamang ang pagkamatay sapagkat sayang yung buhay na yon… kasi meron makita mo ang incompetence dyan masasabi ko na sa paningin ko, ang ating Pangulo naging incompetent dito sa bagay na ito. Dapat niyang tanggapin ang kaniyang responsibilidad dito. Nakakalungkot na hindi talaga siya sumipot. Kulang ng sensitivity, bilang commander in chief," Bacani said.
The prelate, however, pointed out that calls for him to resign is out of the question.
"Pero ang sabi the president should be censured by the Filipino people, but resignation is out of the question for the time being. Pero aminin ang pagkakamali at humingi ng tawad sa bayan," Bacani added.
The retired bishop said that the government must continue to pursue the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front leadership.
"Sikapin pa ring ipagpatuloy ang peace process,sapagkat kasi yung nangyayaring ganito nangangahulugan lang na lalu nating dapat na sikapan na magkaroon ng kapayapaan ng hindi nasasayang ang buhay. Mahaba pa ang tatahakin daan nito, bago mangyari na matupad ang peace sa Mindanao but it is worth working for sacrificing for," he said.