Impossible dreams

I was just moved to give my opinion on the statement of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) on the issue of “Duterte’s order to destroy Reds” that says “As leaders of churches in the country, we are troubled by this announcement and the escalation of violence and violation of human rights that will surely ensue.”

Well, this kind of statement only gives the rebel group CPP-NPA the confidence to continue all their atrocities against innocent civilians specially those who are powerless. This kind of words spoils them to do what they are doing now because they know that someone is still there to defend and protect them.

Yes, life is precious. And human rights are basic rights for every human being and I know that church leaders value that. But what should we do if others don’t give importance to this so called life and continue to abuse, and disrespect the life and human rights of others, not just once but for 50 long years? 

Does the government have the choice not to destroy them if that’s the only way to stop them? And yes peace negotiation is important. But do we need to stick to this kind of solution when for 50 long years of going to the negotiating table nothing happened because the government is talking to insincere leaders?

Year 2019 is here, let us stop believing impossible dreams for this group because if that is real, then 50 years of atrocities and lies had never happened. – Jomarie Kaye Patalinghug