If elected President, expect his policies in such areas as dealing with social unrest and the armed social movements to be influenced and shaped by the military’s perspectives and interests. Among other consequences, it will mean the persistence and worsening of the human rights crisis that has constricted what little remains of what passes for democracy in the Philippines.
Last Monday, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) director-general Alex Paul Monteagudo insinuated it would be “insane” to resume peace talks with the Left, claiming it would surely fail as it did in the past. The four presidential aspirants, he reportedly said, were just trying to “gain votes” by appearing to be statesmen.
Tulad ni Hesus na hindi nangiming harapin ang nasa kapangyarihan upang ipahayag ang mabuting balita sa mga mahihirap, paglaya sa mga bihag at palayain ang mga inaapi. (Lukas 4:18) Buhay man ang naging kapalit.
Moorita Alegre’s release came a few days after Alminaza’s public petition last January 22 for her release.