Defenseless

MANILA, Philippines - We mourn and condemn the death of a fellow poll watcher who died when NPAs ambushed soldiers who were securing election returns in Compostela Valley. As a veteran poll watcher, I know its many risks, but much more of soldiers whose only mission and desire is for us to attain “Ang isang maayos at mapayapang eleksyon noong Lunes.”

As civilians, we are defenseless against men with arms. We are only doing our duties to be of service to our fellow Filipinos but the enemies of democracy choose to sow violence even after the elections.

This is what separates peace-loving Filipinos from the NPAs – they do not want elections. Generally, we do not consider them as our enemies, but they should respect us, protect us even, and why not, because we are only performing good service as citizens. Citizens who are willing to take the extra step to help in the elections.

We also deeply mourn the death of two soldiers and 22 others wounded in the incident. We understand the extreme sacrifices of soldiers and what they do to assure the ballots are protected.

We, as members of the Board of Inspectors are unarmed, unable to protect ourselves from such attacks. But let not this, or the incident make us fear the unexpected. We shall carry on, like the brave soldiers who die in the line of duty.