| A few days ago we heard from the news that there was another encounter between our military and the Abu Sayyaf. American missionary Gracia Burnham was rescued, though wounded, and unfortunately, her husband, Martin Burnham and Filipina nurse, Ediborah Yap perished. I think most of us were torn between feeling victorious over the rescue and deaths of the hostages. Most of us mourned over the the death of Burnham and Yap and wondered what really happened. But we rejoiced over the fact that two hostages were freed: Gracia and another Filipino. According the the military, it was raining hard and the hostages were made to wear fatigue/camouflage uniforms which made it hard for them to see clearly. Now our soldiers are being criticized by members of the media and some politicians and blamed for the death of Burnham and Yap. Why blame them? They did not intend to hurt the hostages. What person in his right mind would, instead of rescuing the captives, rather shoot at them? With the past encouters between the rebels and the military, a lot of our soldiers have been wounded, and some have died. These men risked their lives to rescue the hostages and they didn't even get any appreciation from some people. I'm sure they wouldn't want to be called heroes, though I believe they are. And they deserve respect cos they have earned it.Now they are going to investigate whose bullets killed the two hostages, which is immaterial. It was an encounter and it is very possible to be caught in the crossfire. But that doesn't mean that the soldiers were not careful. If there is one thing that I like about Pres. Arroyo that is her support to our military. And I appreciate those people who defend the military against the tongue lashing press and politicians. The Burnhams have expressed their gratitude to the government and the Armed Forces, though it is painful for them cos they have lost a family member. But why can't our own people do the same?? Oh well, a message to the detractors: LEAVE THEM ALONE for you couldn't have done anything better than what our brave soldiers did! Ok, with that out of my chest, somebody please shut me up! |
| ON THE RESCUE OPERATION |