The
fate of the forty-four (44) members of the Special Action Force (SAF) is beyond
description. The combined MILF-BIFF forces showed no mercy in picking up the
lives of the beleaguered young officers. Man’s inhumanity to man is at its
worst when the strongest feel that they can get away with murder like savage
beasts. Out-numbered and rendered hors de combat, the SAF 44 stood their ground
waiting for the bullets that would terminate their lives. This carnage will be
remembered as one of the saddest moments in Philippine history.
Even when the whole country is mourning, people are
asking who should be held responsible for the death of SAF 44. The cries for
justice are deafening but cut short by the declaration of President BS Aquino
III that his administration will push through with the Bangsamoro Basic Law
despite of the incident.
Who are accountable for the death of SAF 44?
The Commander-in-Chief did not fail to mention that those
who died were out to serve arrest warrants to suspected terrorists implying
that they were there to do their job. He recalled how ferocious, how devious,
and how evil these terrorists are. He recounted the deaths and injuries which
occasioned their past terrorist acts. He justified the operation as necessary
police duty and implied that the death of SAF 44 while doing the task is tragic
but not unexpected.
To imply that they died because that is the price of
their loyalty to duty is utterly uncalled for. Sure, they were in harm’s way
because serving warrant of arrest entails the risk of bodily injuries and even
death. There is no argument on that. Even a street sweeper is exposed to the
same risk every time he or she attended to her duty.
However, the operation could have been less costly and
deadly if the commanders and superiors who directed it were prudent and
competent. Had it not been for the recklessness of these superiors, the job
could have been carried out with less casualties even if the operation is a
failure.
None of the superiors who planned the operation dared
to go where the fallen SAF 44 treaded. The fallen SAF 44 and the wounded
hundreds were left behind the lines—by no less than their superiors and the
persons upon whose names the honors would be bestowed had the operation turned
out successful. Indeed, in war or in peace time, the young ones and the lower
in ranks are always chosen to give the ultimate sacrifice so that those who
come only for the good news can harvest the glory and honor of their fall.
The political complexion of imputing responsibility to
the fighters and officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is
undeniable. Be that as it may, their culpability to the carnage can never be
excused by any cause. After all, they slaughtered their victim with mindless
display of inhumanity and impunity.
Critics will understandably claim the rhetoric, ‘there
cannot be peace without justice.’ Notably, President BS Aquino III never
mentioned the word "justice" in his speech. Neither did he allude to
the ideas of accountability and rule of law. He is expected to neglect all of
these because he wants to go down in history as a Commander-in-Chief who
refused to go to war—even at the expense of the society, and of peace itself.
What many don't understand is that in the middle of an
armed conflict, the ideals of peace and justice lie on the opposite plane.
Moving away from the armed conflict requires accepting compromises and
extending concessions between the contending parties—at times, peace would come
at the expense of justice as immunity and amnesty usually served as motivations
for political leaders and military commanders to sign the peace pact. On the
other hand, pressing for justice in the middle of an armed conflict would demand
enforcing accountability against erring political leaders or military
commanders even if it would entail more bloodshed and deaths for the parties. Such
is the reality of the armed conflict.
The tragedy of the SAF 44 shows the obvious: many, if
not all, of the fighters of the MILF are not ready for peace. While the leaders
of the MILF continue to give their commitment to seek peace in the region, some
of their fighters continue to run havoc in the belief that they are entitled to
establish a kingdom solely for themselves. The ruthless rage vested upon the
fallen SAF 44 confirms this.
Ergo, we are constrained to construct a new
proposition for peace: Peace will only be possible if we are ready to enforce
obedience against those who can never be ready to accept the terms of peace.
The claim for justice rings louder than the bell of
peace today. Let justice be done though heaven should fall. Fiat justitia ruat caelum!
