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Against This So-Called Culture of Impunity

Remarks of Lt General Oscar H Rabena AFP CG, PAF

Flag Raising, 07 Dec 09

Amenities…

I know that most of you are upbeat at the yuletide festivities that we are having this year and some, I think, are in the middle of their preparations for the various activities lined up in commemoration with our celebration of Christmas and New Year. However, I know that most of you are aware of what happened in Maguindanao these past few days. I know that most are cognizant of the current developments and have read the threads and reports about the gruesome killings in that particular province in Mindanao which led to the Executive’s declaration of Presidential Proclamation 1959 placing the province of Maguindanao under Martial Law.

Again, we are facing an enormous challenge as a nation that cherishes the rewards of democracy and sovereignty. Over the past couple of days, the nation found itself once more in the global limelight which was caused by the spate of murders that cost the lives of many innocent civilians in the province of Maguindanao. It was an unfortunate event for the Filipino people because in a civilized society… in a nation that has put premium on the liberties of people, such acts are condemnable beyond words! And such, do not exist in a nation that has championed the cause of democracy and embrace wholeheartedly, its ideals!

As members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Air Force, in particular, we cannot allow this culture of impunity to undermine the foundations of democracy and freedom. We cannot allow those who have disgraced its very essence, put fear…terror…and uncertainty in the hearts and minds of our people. Our role is important in bringing forth to justice those who have committed these lawless acts.

Our air assets in the field and our ground forces, will always be responsive to repress any violence and support the operations of our troops in the area of Maguindanao and its neighboring vicinities.

I know that because of these developments, a lot of our forces are in heightened alert in order to respond to any calls of threat at a moment’s notice. And sacrifices have to be made by our brothers and sisters in the field, because the call for justice…the call for freedom…and the call for democracy is without a cost. It is too high a price and together with other armed services, we bear its brunt.

But then, as an InSTEP organization, we have to take our cue from one of the greatest orators of our history, Martin Luther King when he said, in a sermon delivered at the time of Montgomery bust protests in 1956 that, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

The development in Mindanao is an acid test for the AFP and the PAF that we must win overwhelmingly, in order to prevent any of these incidents from ever happening again and lay to rest, once and for all, this so-called culture of impunity in that part of the country or in any other area. We can win this fight, and we can bring forth to justice those who have done wrong.

To the men and women of the Philippine Air Force, I urge you still to continue whatever preparations that most of you are doing for our upcoming activities. But then, If I may add, please include in your prayers our troops, our soldiers and OUR GALLANT AIRMEN who are currently involve in various operations especially in Mindanao.

And finally, I urge each and everyone to live the core ideals of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence and Professionalism

Have a good week ahead! Maraming salamat at magandang umaga sa inyong lahat!