A difficult year it was

Another year has come and gone. And such a difficult year it definitely was. I can only thank God that we pulled through, no matter how difficult it was. I'm sure we have all had our fill of the past night's festivities in ushering in the new year. I can only hope that none among you were hurt by firecrackers or worse, stray bullets fired by idiots. This is the time when all those resolutions come into play, if only for a few days to a week, and then forgotten altogether. But I think what is more important is that we learn lessons that the past year, a very difficult one for the country, can teach us.

An alleged shootout in Atimonan, Quezon, last January taught us that we should all be vigilant, even if the police are conducting operations. It has been proven that the shootout was indeed a rubout via forensic evidence corroborated by witnesses and inconsistencies in the statements of those involved. It taught us that police do tamper with evidence to suit their needs. Then in February, armed men supposedly belonging to the Sultanate of Sulu land on the shores of Sabah, claiming what is allegedly theirs. Of course, this did not sit well with Malaysia, who fought the armed men and drove them away. The lessons are obvious.

In May, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel opened fire on a Taiwanese fishing boat allegedly poaching on our waters, killing a fisherman on board. Philippine-Taiwan relations go on a tailspin as severe sanctions involving OFWs were threatened by Taiwan. It taught us to ask questions first, and not to laugh while firing upon a vessel. Relations have since eased up.

Then of course, the three most difficult months this country has ever faced in a while. In September, armed terrorists from the MNLF-Misuari faction stormed Zamboanga in an attempt to ridiculously declare independence. A battle between them and government forces ensues, putting the whole province in chaos. We eventually won, but not without loss of life and property, and the paralysis of the economy of the province. It taught us that freedom does come at a price, and is definitely worth fighting for. In October, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake shakes Bohol to its core, inflicting heavy damage on historical and tourist sites, and affecting much of its infrastructure. There was also loss of life but thanks to a Muslim national holiday, kids were not at school and most offices were closed. The death toll could have been higher. November was another story.

Supertyphoon Yolanda tore through much of Eastern Visayas, creating monstrous storm surges that swamp most coastal cities and villages. As of this writing, the death toll has surpassed the six thousand mark, with hundreds still unaccounted for. Hundreds of dead bodies remain unburied, and the whole event has polarized the nation, with finger pointing to no end. With all that has been said and done, or not done, we can, we should learn from all that has happened in terms of disaster preparedness and response.

December should have been quiet, bit it wasn't. The ineptitude and uncaring attitude of public bus companies came to bear when a Don Mariano bus falls from the Skyway and lands on a van. Twenty people died in an accident that was totally preventable. And to talk about incompetence and complacency, a mayor from Zamboanga del Sur and his family were assassinated right at the arrival area of the NAIA-3. That pretty much sums up the year.

Not all of it was bad. We had a string of beauty pageant victories. Manny Pacquiao is back in winning form, although facing different challenges. And a significant move forward has been achieved between the government and the MILF in its quest for lasting peace.

We can only hope and pray that 2014 brings us better fortunes, and less or no tragedies. We have had our fill of that last year. But for now, let me greet everyone a prosperous and safe New Year to everyone!