Brothers and sisters, one discussion heating up these past few days is in regards to naming several personalities that are members of progressive groups accused of being part of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed force, the New People’s Army (NPA). The President himself named one Party List representative as a member of the Communist Party, and said the Party List group this representative comes from is just a front organization. This kind of accusation called red tagging—“red” being the color incorporated with communists—is not only destructive in words. This places the lives of those accused in danger.
In the past few days, two incidents occurred involving activists the government accused of being members of the Communist Party. One of these incidents involved the death of Jevilyn Campos Cullamat, the child of one lawmaker who was also a member of the Bayan Muna party as well as the Manobo Tribe. Jevilyn was said to be a medic for the NPA. She was killed in an encounter between the soldiers and the NPA of Surigao del Sur. After being slain, a picture of her corpse was taken holding a firearm in front of a line of soldiers.
The second incident is the capturing of Amanda Echanis, daughter of the peasant leader Randy Echanis who also recently perished. Amanda, who had a one month-old baby, was captured last Wednesday in Baggao, Cagayan, for being suspected of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The Anakpawis group, where her father was a member, emphatically stood up against the suspicion that firearms were found in Amanda’s home by those who arrested her.
These events are truly worrisome. First, the individuals accused are part of the youth and women sector. They are also children of known activists. Second, they are helping communities and the sectors in need, like the indigenous people and farmers. Third, it became prominent that what happened to Jevilyn is a loss of respect to the dignity and humanity of victims at the hands of those in power.
It seems that the clear message these events convey, especially in the context of ongoing protests by students of universities in Manila, is to sow fear. Surely these students, as well as their parents, will worry in fear. What parent wouldn’t want to sacrifice their lives just to save their children? The intimidation is more severe if the youth is the target.
Amid all the great problems the country is facing now, does fear mongering and giving pursuit to those who are accused of being enemies help or incite worry and suffering for the people? Does the government wish to silence our youth even if they see faults that must be corrected in our society?
In addressing our problems and the loss of justice in society, it is propagated in the Catholic social teaching what is called “active non-violence” or the peaceful yet active movement and encouraging a humane society, not keeping silent amid the cruelty and neglect of justice for the poor. This is what many of our youth have been doing. This is seen through their partiality and unity with the poor, organizing and serving the communities, and participating in peaceful protests and making the government accountable. They study in order to serve the country someday. Our country needs the youth. They should not be intimidated, they should not be silenced.
Brothers and sisters, like what is said in the book of Matthew 25:31-46, even Christ reminds us of the final judgment, and His basis is how we show our love, compassion and unity for the hungry, the ill, the suffering, and the homeless.
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