Know the TRUTH and please don't fan the flames

by Kahlil Urmila Virola Gardiola

Kahlil Urmila Virola Gardiola*

For the past two days, this status has been gaining popularity: I condemn the ABS CBN TV Patrol POLL dated October 20, 2011 for irresponsibly asking a complex question: "Papayag ba kayo na itigil na peace talks at mag ALL OUT WAR na laban sa MILF?" While 97% voted for YES, does this follow that 97% wants to stop the peace talks AND at the same time launch an ALL OUT WAR against the MILF? Let us not allow a question to compromise the peace talks. NO to sensationalizing of news and complex question. YES to fairness and accuracy of news! MEDIA, KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!!! [Please post this in your status until it reaches the mainstream]. It still riddles me as to the orginal source of the post, but it spread like wildfire over FB, specially among Mindanawons; Manilenyos; people from Luzon, Visayas and Pinoys based in other countries who are aware of what's really happening.

I am really saddened by the question AND result of the TV PATROL poll last October 20. Yes, there are lots of unfortunate things happening again here in the South. The majority of Filipinos are again prone to being drawn to confusion, irritation, anger, hatred, and worst--apathy. These flames are fanned further with misinformation; one-sided information; and people in positions who can greatly influence perception and sentiments. 

As your sister and fellow Filipino in our life journey, all I ask is for each of us to stay vigilant and always check and double check the information we are "handed" and most of all, not be influenced by black propaganda. For most people outside the conflict areas, especially those who don't know the real deal behind the issues, it all just seems confusing and pathetic, but for people here in Mindanao; specially those working on the ground; working for peace and trying to uphold the ceasefire and peace process (THIS ALSO INCLUDES mechanisms inside the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front such as the Joint Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities; Local Monitoring Teams; their subordinates, as well as International and Local representatives of the International Monitoring Team (IMT)--which I am also a part of). For these people working on the ground, and ESPECIALLY for people who LIVE WITHIN the conflict areas... every prejudiced word uttered, every wrong information, every decision made by people in high positions (mostly people in Manila and some who wants to protect their personal interests here in Mindanao), spells possible agitation, panic, violent conflict and displacement of thousands of families. 

In truth, if you don't already know, there are still hundreds of thousands of Internally Displaced People (evacuees) living in temporary shelters (because of the wars and some skirmishes before and after 2000, 2001, 2003, 2008 etc) up until now. The last thing we would want to happen again is an ALL OUT WAR like the one declared by Estrada in 2000. THAT WAR ALONE displaced almost a Million civilians. Yes, there are also internal conflicts such as RIDO, and some breakaway groups, but this only shows how complex the situation is, and how we are treading on fragile ground. Hence, it would be best if we leave the work to the authorities whose mandate is dealing with these particular issues--let them investigate and serve justice for those who deserve justice. Another unknown fact, for the past 10 years, since the the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the communities are replete with success stories and life-saving experiences that are yet to be told and shared to a wider audience. Official records of the government and the MILF show 608 incidents of confrontation in 2002, which dropped to 10 in 2005 and only three in 2010. To add, when the government and MILF went back to negotiations, Mindanao experienced growth from 2005-2007, until clashes resumed in 2008 due to the controversies surrounding the now defunct MOA-AD.

 For those who are calling for an All Out War, DO NOT call for something out of emotional outrage, especially without even hearing the other side of the story; and without considering the huge implications of what you are suggesting. It has been a long arduous and painful journey towards peace... please do not compromise these efforts just 'cause you are feeling perplexed about things you see on mainstream media. Besides, let's not forget, that in the first place, all this struggle is rooted on the injustices done unto the Bangsamoro people. Justice for the Bangsamoro has long been overdue, and we are not making things better by spreading hatred against the Moros with misinformed and prejudiced declarations.

So, as your sister, I ask of you to please, please, stay cautious, get to know the real stories, don't spread the hatred and prejudice, help us achieve a lasting political settlement (to finally end all these), pray for us, whitelight, and just spread your love... ♥ Thanks and God Bless us all.

Ayyi "My TRUTH Empowers"

Read it at Facebook.com

*Photo from facebook.