INKBLOTS POLL RESULT: 64% against military offensive in Sulu and Basilan

The entire country, and perhaps the international community was struck by the news last July 10, 2007 that when 10 Marines were beheaded by alleged bandits coming the ranks of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels and Abu Sayyaf. It was enough to cause distress, foremost to the communities near the place of incident, but also to the peacemakers who toiled hard to bring back peace and development in Mindanao. Since the all-out war policy of Estrada Administration, a significant leap has been made to restore peace in Mindanao, particularly the ARMM. Communities began to become vibrant again, and holding to the last thread of hope that peace would eventually thrive in Mindanao. But peace seems to be elusive.

Inquirer reported that since July 10, 57 soldiers and over 80 Abu Sayyaf and Moro rebels have been killed and scores injured in encounters in Sulu and Basilan. This could cause enough alarm. But what is more alarming is the glaring fact that scores of families are again displaced--fleeing in fear that they would be, again, caught in a crossfire. With no other option to choose from, they flee from their homes, livelihood, and children stopped attending school. Bearing the brunt of the fighting between the military and the alleged bandits, internally displaced communities, again, have to make sacrifices and experience hunger and disease in the evacuation centers.

There had been enough debates on why there should be no military operations in ARMM, particularly in Sulu and Basilan. There is no further need to elaborate and explain to the military that they should stop their offensive operations. However, we cannot also discount the fact that some are in favor of the military should do its role in peace-keeping. After all, the military says it is their mandate to go after the law breakers.

The poll conducted in this blogsite may not be representative of the entire population. Nonetheless, it indicates the divided perspective of the Filipinos on the issue of militarization in Mindanao, particularly in the Moro communities. A resounding majority (64%) is against a military offensive in Mindanao. While 36% is in favor of a military offensive.

When will war in Mindanao end?

Which side is yours?

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Adel Tamano on the defense

ADEL TAMANO after all is not just a prettyboy spokesperson of the Genuine opposition when he defended Islam [and even Christianity] against those who stereotype Muslims and link them to organized cheating.

He said in the Inquirer:

“But cheating is cheating whether committed by Muslims or Christians and should be condemned. The law prohibiting election fraud makes no distinction based on religion,” he said.

"Those attempting to make the issue a war between the Muslims and the Christians have completely missed the point," said Tamano. (An excerpt from the Inquirer.net.).

As I have made my point earlier, it is unfair [and even pathetic] to tag Islam and Christianity with the election fraud. Some advances have been made to unite Muslims and Christians, particularly for the peace and development efforts in Mindanao.

I just hope that this election will not engender divisiveness. Not again!

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