Head-on collision

Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com

vary that even experts in their fields of expertise are distant apart. That neutral observers would opine on who’s better is smarter that people in the world keep aiming high amid clash of opinions in trying to reach for the unreachable to perpetuate individual ego, envy and greed for power and possessions.

The acceptance speech early this week of newly installed PNP Chief Major General Benjamin Acorda, Jr. from outgoing retired Police General Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. fits well when he expressed the importance of all out cooperation and support in the maintenance of law and order. For “I cannot do it alone without your commitment.” As government’s safety and security forces, he said, “Together we will overcome the challenges the organization is facing. And together we will prove that the PNP serves with dignity and professionalism. As your humble servant, I will do my best to lead by example. Let us work together for the betterment of our country.”

An old familiar rhetorical message put across for the PNP and the citizens to towthe-line hoping that the messenger will be true to form to walk the talk in the midst of unabated proliferation of prohibited drugs, illegal possession of firearms and explosives, extortion, political violence and vendetta killings. As PMA or PNPA graduates, the public expects disciplined and well-trained men-in-uniform to honestly enforce the law without fear or favor unlike alleged abuses committed by top brass, acting as mastermind in lawless violence and other illegal drug-related activities that 36 police officers have to undergo thorough investigation by the NBI and PNP Advisory Board. Among them include Muslim Mindanao regional police chief who was arrested recently for malversation cases. The CIDG report tagged the relieved suspect as Police Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon.

Moves for the country to police own rank-and-file must not only be confined in the PNP but to all government agencies and instrumentalities. For irregularities and corruption that led to lawless violence are perpetrated by the workforce not the workplace for the besmirched agency to be maligned.

This brings us back to that rhetorical cliché that if Congress approves the proposed Bangsamoro Organic Law, there would be “genuine, lasting and durable peace” in Muslim Mindanao. But sadly, amid efforts of BARMM officials to uphold that aspiration and yearnings even by their predecessors of the defunct RAG 9-12, LTP and ARMM, peace here and elsewhere has remained elusive and mere rhetoric.

Genuine peace is contentment as in peace of mind that can only be possible in faith. Unless we divest ourselves with our pride, envy and greed our peace is not of God. For God’s peace surpasses understanding that will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Our belated congratulations to Cotabato City Mayor Muhammad Ali Bruce Matabalao as the newly elected PNRC board of governors. Additional responsibility calls for extra mind-andbody work build-up to lose extra weight. In all our ways, let’s allow God to direct our steps with heat index soaring up high.

Flashback: Prior to the closure of the Cotabato City-based Philippine National Red Cross office at PC Hill it’s first and only PNRC head was the late Ranulfo Nartates. And we also had the late Bai Fatima Sinsuat as the first Muslim elected board member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

That’s life, we all come and go, for nothing is permanent in this world except change. That while alive, let us all be contributors of change for truth and righteousness’ sake. For the world in reality is in a tug-of-war between good and evil and for us not to be double-minded but always steadfast with our faith, hope and love to choose blessing and life everlasting instead of curse unto the lake of fire.

The good life through honest living is happy Labor Day to one and all. And to God be the glory amid all complexities in life.