Maguindanao Massacre: Condemn the Culture of Violence!

The recent gruesome and merciless killings of fifty seven (57) Filipinos-political family members, lawyers, mediamen, and ordinary travellers- hits all of us personally and collectively. Unarmed and defenseless, trusting and hopeful they treaded, like we all do, the daily road of life. However, we forget that our time is not the easiest of times; it is the hardest and the harshest yet.

Violence is the means of the desperate. Desperate that once the political clout is destroyed, all influence is lost. Influence is gained through control of resources, both economic and social. In the Maguindanao area, control has become the privilege of a few, and control means violence.

This sub-culture of violence is perpetrated by those who lust for power, goods, and money. It cannot thrive, however, when people refuse to be imprisoned in this way of life. If those who join the greedy murderers will have access to a decent life, we believe they will choose to be free. One thing we can do is give them examples of how this could be done, as the examples shown by Efren Penaflorida and Manny Pacquiao, and by the millions of Filipinos who have reacted strongly against the massacre.

It is uplifting to know that most of us still believe in the essence of democracy and of freedom. However, we do not stop here. Wherever we are, let us create our own communities that will mean human development and moral progress. Let us become the people who not only think intelligently but also wise and prepared for the worst, who not only hope but also act, people who not only pray but also serve.

Condemn the culture of violence! Justice to the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre!

(Photo used in this post credited to www.worldbulletin.net)