On the Filipino soldier

I was researching for an assigment regarding human rights and reading so many articles about it I can't help it but react. Considering that it has been a while since I wrote anything political in this blog, I might as well write my take on this topic.

In the 9th National Debate Championship that PMA hosted last October, an issue that most colleged students who participated in the event was so interested on was that of the extra judicial killings. I was surprised that when I begin talking about this topic, they will gather around me as if I was some Lola Basyang, telling one of her famous fairy tales. I guess many people are interested on what members of the military think about these killings and perhaps other issues surrounding it.

I do not see the point why all the disappearance of these activists are blamed on the military. I do not wish to declare that the military is that perfect and has not done these crimes, in fact, I will be one person who will say that the military is very capable of these acts. What surprises me is that it would seem that it is only the military who has the capacity to commit these acts. In my little experience as a member of the country's armed forces, I find it disturbing how the public can be easily made to believe on whatever it is that they say or hear in our media. And this is not just about extra judicial killings, it can be anything under the sun. When someone from the left declares in television or in radio that something is the fault of the military (or this government for that matter), people receive this news with open arms without even bothering to weigh the facts behind these statements. Personally, I do not know much of the issue on many of the killings happening around the country, but clearly the public is being unfair in dealing with their Armed Forces.

Another thing that I observed is that people seem to distinguish the Human Rights of the soldier to that of an ordinary civilian. I hate it when people take the death of a soldier lightly while they march in the streets for the death of some civilian. Yes, I understand that soldiers were aware of the things that will happen to them when they made their oath to protect this country's people and constitution, but it does not make their death any different from all the others outside the military. Although they are soldiers, they, too, want to live a long life only that they have taken it upon themselves to use their life to protect more lives (your life that is). When they die, they also have their loved ones who will mourn. Their children will also become fatherless and their wives will have to raise the family as a widow. The point is, their rights is the same as that of any other person but they have placed these rights on the line so that you can enjoy yours. Let me just ask, have you ever heard of any human rights complain filed by a soldier against the enemies of the state? It's surprising how those who do not value our laws can use it against us and still get the people's support.

All in all, I would like to say that I am proud to be part of the country's Armed Forces. Ours may not be that ideal but I honestly believe deep in my heart that it is doing everything it can on its very limited resources to do its mandate. I implore everyone to at least give your soldiers the benefit of the doubt if to support them is really hard on your stomach. I admire how the Americans look so highly on their soldiers even if they do not necessarily agree with the cause of the wars these soldiers are fighting. In our case, we find itso hard to support our soldiers even if we also consider the enemies they are fighting our enemies.