Rebels without a cause

Conclusion

So where are we at this point in the midst of all the tensions we have been experiencing lately? Many of us, especially those at the APCU (the Association for Philippines-China Understanding), have been tirelessly working and engaging people while moving towards the direction of peace, as well as connecting people towards the same goals of development that focus on a shared future for all. I was so moved to see our APCU chairman, Attorney Raul Lambino, express his thoughts at a forum in China recently where he became rather emotional about the prevailing tensions between China and the Philippines on the WPS.

Considering that we have been, for generations, long-time friends and neighbors of China who, as an integral part of their culture, China holds in high esteem their relationships with their oldest friends, was perhaps the biggest reason why chairman Lambino fervently expressed his insights and concerns at the forum. APCU chairman Raul knows for a fact that both our countries, the Philippines and China, continue to build on this long-standing friendship until today. It truly has been very interesting times for us as we continue to weave our way through history.

My closest friends have often called me a warrior princess (even if I am far from being a princess) and, while I do not have the same might as my higher ups at the Armed Forces, I feel the honor and respect they have for me through all the efforts I have made in order to help bring peace alongside them. I know in my heart that all our men and women in uniform are committed to peace just the same. At the end of the day, while hope is what we are all looking forward to in such crucial times, peace entails commitment from us all. It is as simple as that.

The desire for peace is a fundamental aspect of human nature, while a rebellious nature is simply a person who insists on fighting without an end goal in mind. As we continue to await developments on these issues and hope for the best, I would like to share as a reflection for all what a retired soldier continues to express on the current state of our country, both politically as well as in terms of national security. He says the more we poke the bear, the more prepared we must be to face the same bear we are poking.

The question we must then ask ourselves is, “And then what?” Are we ready to face the bear? Are we so sure to get the expected outcome from our plans? We Filipinos need to consider so many things that can affect us in the future because one thing’s for sure – only a rebel without a cause would be so gung-ho about something that would most likely lead us to our demise. It is time to move with purpose and, most of all, for real unity and peace.