While we rightly mourn for the so-called 'Fallen 44' of the police force, we should not lose the perspective. We should also mourn for the innocent civilians and children killed, and yes also for the dead MILF/BIFF members who, I believe, are also 'victims' of some horrendous policies, decisions, and orders by those who wield power and aspire for profit.
Let's sympathize with all the families of the dead, injured, and traumatised. May we not become a culture of rejoicing over the death of someone, of privileging some lives over some others'.
To the 'warmongers', mga utak pulbura, know that your 'right to free expression' is only protected in times of peace, but war will diminish it. Know also that wars are indiscriminate, a war against innocents like us, a war against our children, a war against our families and against our friends. While we salute the Fallen 44 whose caskets are nicely covered with the Philippine flag, we should know that, as a historian once wrote, there is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people and children.
To the media, including those using social media, yes, call for justice, call for peace; but please refrain from calling the Fallen 44 'heroes'. We have to contribute to the education of the younger generation, as well as the present, that the noblest of heroism is not done through military or police heroism whose bravery and sacrifice are exerted in the cause of war. The Fallen 44 must be remembered as victims of horrifying policies, greed, and ineptitude of the elite decision-makers and powers-that-be.
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