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NINE days have passed since eight soldiers and a
civilian were mysteriously killed in an army camp in Barangay
Silangkan, Parang, Sulu. “Mysterious” is an apt word because, to
this day, neither the Armed Forces of the Philippines nor the
Department of National Defense has released an official report on
the killings.
In the morning of Black Saturday,
at about 2:30 a.m., gunfire killed nine men at a camp housing
Charlie Company of the Philippine Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion.
The circumstances behind the deaths are very, very murky. Nobody,
except perhaps the AFP brass, knows what happened.
On April 8 the Army spokesman,
Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres Jr., reported the mass killings as a
“shooting incident,” which could mean anything. He denied that
one of the soldiers had gone on a shooting rampage.
A day later, the AFP chief of
staff, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., hinted that “animosities”
among the troops may have triggered the shooting, but refused to go
further. He said the investigation was in progress.
Since Monday, we have not heard
from the general or his spokesman. The military has not released a
single report on the progress of the investigation. The public
remains in the dark about the mass killings.
This silence has raised
speculations about the deaths. Speculations about a soldier running
amuck. Or about a civilian who was refused enlistment and vented his
resentment on the troops. Or about an NPA or MNLF attack on the
camp. Or about drunkenness that made the soldiers lose their senses.
Muteness has prompted questions
about the competence of the army investigators. Could the brass be
covering up for very big reasons? Poor leadership, perhaps, or a
breakdown in discipline? Is there an attempt to pass off command
responsibility?
The other critical reason could
be national security, but this must be discounted. There is no
security interest at stake when the troops are carousing at 3
o’clock in the morning. An overnight guest, a woman, is said to be
present at the party. Who is this Miss X?
It’s very strange why the AFP
is taking time to clear up this mess. Surprisingly, there is no
pressure from the Palace or from the DND to speed up the
investigation. The senatorial candidates—from the Team Unity and
the Genuine Opposition—are too busy selling themselves the voters
to inquire into the matter.
The people have a right to know
what happened in Parang, Sulu, on April 7. Surely, the families of
the victims deserve an official explanation, if not immediate
justice, from the government. A prompt report and timely action on
the killings will reassure the officers and enlisted men of the
Armed Forces. It will name the guilty, clear the innocent and serve
the ends of justice.
The Filipino soldier is prepared
to die for his country, but not in the manner that took place on
Black Saturday. We do not even know if the eight soldiers—who are
these men anyway?—got a decent burial. We do know that the
investigation is gathering dust. And very few people seem to care.
Danger in the air . . . and on
water
THE two recent helicopter crashes
in Luzon are familiar news, but still a matter of concern. People
should not ride choppers that are not airworthy and that could cost
them their life or limb.
We are referring to two accidents
that happened recently in San Pablo, Laguna, and in Bontoc, Mountain
Province. Other politicians have reported involvement in
near-crashes in the last six months. The aircraft included
helicopters and light planes. The collateral damage includes victims
on the ground and property lost.
Safety should be uppermost on the
mind of passengers and the owners or operators of the light
aircraft. Regular checkups, familiarity with terrain, sensitivity to
weather and a program of phasing out aging planes should form part
of the safety program.
Drowning and other mishaps are
also increasing in public swimming pools, rivers and seas. With
summer punishing the cities, the rush to the beach or to the pool
has become irresistible. Unfortunately, accidents have not made sea
or pool swimming a pleasant time.
The first thing we’ve noticed
is that the local governments do not take the effort to hire
fulltime lifeguards. The public, mainly the children, do not enjoy
the protection of beach guards and emergency help. At the same time,
most of the rivers and the beaches, principally around Manila Bay,
remain dirty and dangerous.
We have not heard of a TU or GO
candidate advocating safety on the beach or the pool. It would be
wonderful if the office-seekers sponsor swimming lessons or
lifeguard training for teenagers.
Other useful tips: Never swim
alone. Don’t drink and swim at the same time. If visiting
unfamiliar water, don’t dive head first. Keep an eye on children.
Learn CPR: it may save a life.
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