‘Araw ng Kagitingan 2015’: An Opportune Time to Accept the BBL?

(PNA) — Can former enemies be friends?

Many might say, “I can forgive, but I will not forget.”

Some may note that trust, once broken, could never be brought back.

In Thursday’s observance of the Day of Valor or “Araw ng Kagitingan” at the Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan, President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with the ambassadors of Japan and the United States, proved that it is possible.

When we were kids, our history teacher taught us that the Japanese and the Americans were our enemies because they invaded the country. We may not remember the exact details like when was it and for how long. However, certainly, the images depicting that they killed our fellowmen, and that the Filipino people had suffered so much during their regime, may remain clear to our minds even as we age.

During his speech in Bataan Thursday, Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa expressed his country’s heartfelt apologies and deep remorse to all who have suffered during the war and said that they will never forget what happened in Bataan.

“Seventy-three years ago, we were enemies. Now we are friends, close friends,” he stressed.

True enough, Japan has supported the Philippine government in its various projects, including peace projects in Mindanao. Yes, you read it right – the former invaders are currently helping our government to achieve peace in conflict-affected areas in the country.

Japan has been supporting the country through various ways like giving grants.

Same is true with the Americans. “Yesterday’s enemies are today’s allies and strategic partners,” uttered U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg.

The US government has been helping the Philippines not just during times of disasters but also towards achieving peace.

As both the Japanese and the American governments were well represented in Thursday’s commemoration and have shown sincere appreciation and support to our veterans, President Aquino compared them with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The three groups, according to the President, were all enemies who eventually became the government’s allies.

With this, President Aquino reiterated his call for the passage by Congress of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The proposed law aims to bring peace in the entire country, and end the long-standing armed conflict in Mindanao.

Moreover, the BBL aims to bring normalcy in the lives of Bangsamoro people, combatants and their families.

We are aware that the MILF elements were vicious enemies of the government before. Now, they are together in pushing for the BBL, which they firmly believe will foster harmony and unity. Peace – that’s the main objective of the bill.

There are groups who are anti-BBL. Some of them think that the MILF is not a sincere partner to our government. Also, the fact that the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos died after a clash with members of the MILF, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and some other armed groups last Jan. 25, added to the tension.

The Mamasapano incident led some people to think that the MILF members cannot be trusted, and that they would remain the country’s enemies.

The President noted that we should look up to the veterans who, according to him, chose peace instead of bearing grudges. He also said that today’s commemoration served as an avenue for us to reflect on the lessons of history, so we may learn to move forward together instead of repeating its failures.

Do you think “Araw ng Kagitingan 2015” is an opportune time for us to heed the President’s call to support the BBL?

Generations have passed. The enemies have already apologized. Times have changed, and people change as well. Maybe it’s about time that we all move forward and walk together towards one goal, towards something for the good of everyone.

Can enemies be friends? I may not be able to give the perfect answer, but one thing is for sure: nothing is impossible. (PNA) SCS/MCCARAYATA/EDS