Open letter to Cebuano lawmakers

I have been monitoring the investigations about the Mamasapano debacle last January 25, 2015. I am quite satisfied with how our lawmakers extracted information from their sources - from key Philippine National Police officials and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

There could be many faces from both the Senate and House of Representatives who throw questions to the resource persons invited to shed light on the death of 44 Special Action Force commandos reportedly butchered by the members of the MILF and its renegade faction, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. The Filipinos could probably have identified by now as to who among the senators and congressmen and congresswomen pitched in intelligent questions with sheer coherence with the subjects being discussed about.

But it is appalling to note that none or just a few of lawmakers from Cebu who have participated in the inquiry. Call it passivity or just a simple display of "I don't care who cares" attitude towards the issue at hand. I was happy to see Rep. Gwen Garcia last week who moved to show during the hearing a video clip about a gory slaughter of one SAF commando in the hands of an alleged member of MILF or BIFF. But later, he withdrew her motion when other lawmakers present in the hearing brought out the issue on sensitivity. Garcia made it to the microphone, but raising a point that she could not even stand by it.

Yes, the focus of the investigation is about the carnage in Mamasapano, Maguindanao which may lead us on the question of liability among Pres. Benigno Aquino III, the suspended now resigned PNP chief Alan Purisima and relieved SAF commander Getulio Napeñas. But the Cebuanos are also interested to know of what is really meant to be if that Bangsamoro Basic Law would be approved or disapproved by our government.

Cebu might be far from Mindanao. But whatever happens in that island in the south we would greatly be affected. There are many Cebuanos who are living in Mindanao. Also, there are many Mindanaoans who are living, studying, working and doing business in Cebu.

On behalf of the Cebuanos, I demand that our Cebuano lawmakers should participate in the discussion about bills and other measures affecting Mindanao. I want to hear from my congressman, Bebot Abellanosa, and the rest of the congressmen of Cebu about their stand on the issue involving our brethren in Mindanao. I want to know from them of their stand about the BBL and its nuances.

Mae Lenny J. Fajardo

Tres de Abril St., Labangon, Cebu City