As the situation in Mindanao remains fluid, the people’s future remain uncertain.  The road to peace is now littered with grenade. Who would now dare tread that path? To say that it is difficult to talk peace at a time like this is an understatement. I need not reiterate the violence that has erupted which has claimed the lives of many people — mostly civilians.

It is this pressing concern that gave rise to a need — a need to be ready and and willing to fight when necessary. The citizenry of Iligan City (claiming their right to protect themselves and their property) have decided to take up arms. And this is supported by no less than their Mayor Lawrence Cruz. He says in an ABSCBNNews.com article, “We don’t want to be helpless like those civilians who were butchered, strafed, torched, and whose properties were looted and ransacked. We don’t want that to happen to us.”

I was never a fan of vigilantism or anything loosely similar to it. Taking up arms by the citizenry is something I only envision as last resort. And I say that not because I’m kill-joy or sissy or absurdly peace-loving but because I think the current situation, in my point of view — however others may see it — still does not warrant such an activity. More than anything, I fear for these people’s safety. While I understand that being the ones directly affected by the menace that is MILF — they are full of conviction to fight for a just cause, I also believe that “letting guns do the talking” doesn’t sound like a good plan at all. Besides, it is the state’s responsibility to secure its people. If the citizenry takes up arms, they overstep someone else’s mandate. And no, I’m not trying to be be objective, I’m trying to be practical.

To wage war with the MILF is no joke. To fight to the death in defense of life and property may be heroic and noble even — specially if your ultimate mission is to restore order. But is it right? Is it right to go to war unprepared and and ill-equipped? If soldiers themselves — trained for battle and experienced in war are having a hard time fighting the MILF as it is, what can we expect from civilian volunteers? They might end up being “target practice” for the MILF.The MILF is a 12,000-strong armed rebel group. I read in an earlier article (unfortunately I lost track of it and can’t find it in my feed reader) that they have formed around a group of at least 300 armed civilians. Sending these CVO’s to fight the MILF is a death wish. 12,000 vs. 300. Do the Math.

Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate the effort and I recognize the good intentions behind this act. But let’s be realistic and objective here. Our foremost concern now is “saving” lives. Forming civilian volunteer groups (CVO’s) may sound good at first, but a closer look and serious introspection will reveal that it is not the wisest choice available. Let us be rational about this because it is rationality that separates the genius from the foolhardy. To be passionate about this is not wrong, but let us put our passion to where it will be most beneficial. Evidently — as shown by recent attacks, we are dealing with cold-hearted people (if you can even call them people). It takes a heartless “thinking” creature to kill his own specie. And passionate as this CVO’s may be about the cause for which they carry weapons, killing — I assume, is not what they do best. And to fight the MILF is to be prepared to either kill or die.

I think we must leave the technical fighting — the armed fighting, to our soldiers. If such a thing ensue in their city, the best and safest choice is to evacuate the place and seek refuge in a safe area. And these concerned civilians, on the other hand, must use what time, energy and passion they have to save, secure, assist and feed as much people as possible. If we are to organize an army this time, might I suggest that it be an “army of assistance“, an “army of prayer“, an “army of compassion” and an “army of peace“. We all have roles to play. It doesn’t help anyone when we overstep one’s role. But it helps a lot when we recognize and fulfill what role has been given to us.