Over 2,000 Palestinians and Israelis have died over a month since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in October.
The cycle of retaliation has led to what is now perceived as genocide and massive displacement of Palestinians and other nationals who settled in the war-torn area.
Many countries and the United Nations have called for ceasefire to prevent the war from further escalating and killing of innocent civilians. The call is valid and others may even ask for peaceful solutions to thresh out the root cause of the said war. Such call is imperative before the war results in a more serious conflict outside the said region.
It is here where some groups come in to use the war to justify their agenda. It could be recalled that days after attack on Israel, the armed group in the Philippines expressed support to fellow terrorist organization, Hamas.
Their supporters and followers in the country through their front organizations are now organizing educational discussions on the struggle of the Palestine to portray political oppression and repression on minorities, mirroring the plight for self-determination by the Cordillerans.
Cordillerans should be aware of the difference between their circumstances and situation with that of Palestinians. Cordillerans are greatly recognized as an indigenous cultural community and as peace and development partner of the government. Its culture is ce-lebrated and rights are respected and protected from armed groups that exploit them such as the Communist Party of the Philippines.
The Cordillerans are therefore called to make their own stand on pressing issues and promote peace through traditional systems without having to be influenced by some groups with an underlying political agenda. — MA. LOUISA FOLIGAN, spokesperson, Samahan ng Mamamayang Nagkakaisa Kontra Terorismo
May 8, 2024