Waited for too long

The day of reckoning finally came for the people of Negros Oriental. In a statement, the Department of Justice confirmed that expelled representative Arnulfo Teves was arrested while playing golf in Timor Leste. The widow of slain governor Roel Degamo expressed her gratitude on social media by saying that the wheels of justice are finally turning. For some residents in this quaint province, they waited too long for this moment.

I resonate with some who feel the same way. Negros Oriental is a second home to me. Back in the day, we had monthly deployments to this province. For two weeks every month, I would be away from my family to cover the developments here as part of my tour of duty. My colleagues didn’t have the same experience as I did here. I fell in love with the way things were: laidback, chill, and full of potential. The turn of local politics also interested me, especially how some families managed to maintain their power for many years.

Now that Teves is finally with the authorities, there is so much to discuss about how things will turn out in the next months. This includes the dynamics of provincial politics, plus the peace and security of the entire area. It is also interesting to note that Negros Oriental may soon no longer be part of Central Visayas should the president sign into law the creation of the Negros Island Region. Either that or he will allow it to lapse into law.

That is another story to tell. This new development will also affect how this region will play out. We are seeing a rise in a new dynasty followed by a downfall of another, or the other way around. The key issue here is the sharing of budget. The fewer provinces in a region, the more they get. They are also situated on one island which makes a big difference.

There is so much to say about Negros Oriental, such as how it sits beautifully between Siquijor and Cebu. It is home to wide mountain ranges and a vast seascape. Their biodiversity is beyond comparison as it faces one of the biggest protected marine areas in the country. This province is also able to produce agricultural products more than others. Their tourist destinations are equally breathtaking, and the way of life is very ideal.

I hope that with this new development, its residents will finally get what they deserve. They deserve a life without fear and threat. This place is to be enjoyed and treasured, not loathed. If indeed justice is on its way then it must not be only for the affected family. It should also be for the people who hold the true power to govern. I pray that this will be the end to all their suffering and the healing that they all need