Becky D. de Asis
Everybody knows about Sulu’s story. Even the young ones are
afraid to hear about it because of the unforgettable happenings and tragedy
that everybody can never forget more particular the victims of war in this war-torn
province in the west.
I recalled the story about the kidnapping of Grace
Burhams and her husband that their story rocks the whole world about their
experienced in Abu Sayyaf when they were kidnapped for months when Grace Burham
survives while his husband died in the hands of Abu Sayyaf. Her husband had attempted to escape by their
abductors.
The other incident is the five Marines including their
officer when they were beheaded along the hinterlands of Patikul. While beheading
their victims, the bandits prayed first and shouted Allahu Akbar which means
God is precious. What a ridiculous prayer? I think the prayer should only be
addressed to Satan because of that barbaric act. Killing what is considered an
enemy to them is a dignified act.
The marine troops stay in Sulu to establish a stable peace and order for a better place to live in. They are there to extend help in the elevation of the living conditions of the people.
With their small numbers, the Marines had implemented all-in-1
community outreach social services program such as feedings, supplying potable
water in different barangays, road rehabilitation, school buildings and
bridges.
Their contribution in Sulu is very satisfactory. I got
this data when I conducted a random and short survey in the place. I asked a
tricycle driver about the plight of the marines in Sulu. He said, “ahhh…
marines? They are all warriors but have a good heart to help the people….whew.”
I thought of saying that they are inutile, not effective.
I’d interviewed one businessman in Jolo last week before I aboard in a wooden
boat going to Lugus, the far-flung municipality of Sulu. I asked him what can he
say about marines in the place? He answered, “Mam marines has a big contribution
to the peace and order here… without marines, I think, kahit papaano nagkaroon
tayo ng pagbabago at kaginhawaan kasi hindi na masyadong showy ang mga Abu
Sayyaf.”
Non Government Organization, civil society groups and
academe also showed similar approval to marines. The groups have express
beliefs that marines had such contribution that others cannot perform like
making the place a better place to live in and enjoy live at its fullness like
what other people experiencing in the other parts of the globe.
