Contemplating martial law
The Province of Negros Oriental has always been so close to my heart. I went back and forth many times to the province as a young girl because of church activities and, in 2014, we had a monthly deployment to the area. It was a surreal experience although sometimes there were pangs of homesickness. But in a nutshell, I loved everything about the deployment, most especially in Dumaguete City. I felt free - I didn't see any need to be scared to walk alone at night or at early dawn or get worried that I went home late. I felt safe as well. Every trip to the different towns and cities was a wonderful experience, with new sights and sounds to discover at every turn.
However, the turn of events have changed in the past weeks with the recent killings. It became unbelievable how about 20 people died in a span of two weeks with no clear suspect and motive, whatsoever. Sometimes the families of the victims feel like their cases have been sat on and no progress was made. Recently, the president has pronounced a possible declaration of martial law in the province. I cringe.
If martial law was to be implemented in Negros Oriental, there would be a 360-degree turn in the way people live their lives. They wouldn't be the carefree people that we know now. Time would be limited and there would be fear. Instead of feeling safe, the public will feel that there is a threat that the security has been intensified. What was once a peaceful and loving province will turn the other way around. I feel sorry for the ordinary people who are trying to have a good life in this place. In fact, Dumaguete City was once hailed as a best place to retire. If we allow this insurgency problem to get worse, then tourism will dwindle along with the already boosting economy.
I don't think martial law is the approach to put a stop to this. Peace talks should resume and the government should find a win-win situation where the people will get the services and the rights that they have been demanding. Bohol was once infested with the communist rebels as well but was able to recover. If they can, I'm sure Negros Oriental can do so too. Never again should we go back to a time where martial law was full of abuses and human rights violations. We must learn and look for the right solutions to the prevailing problems.
If there is any way to realize this thought, we all must. Martial law will never be the answer to chaos. Give what is due to the people and beef up the security. There should be someone responsible for all the killings and a reason to it. The best way is to scrutinize from there, rather than letting the people of the whole province suffer. For now, I offer my prayers for this province that I am proud to call my second home.
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