Semantics could fuel Iloilo tension

Instead of defusing the situation, the semantics administration officials have used in trying to justify the Iloilo provincial capitol incident could be the spark that will trigger the situation into a major problem.

For example, instead of apologizing for the obvious and palpably open violation of human rights by the Regional Mobile Group of the PNP, DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno holds up the possibility of rewarding the cops with commendations for the way they conducted the dispersal operation.

That, despite the obvious evidence of what the police did. You don't level long firearms at unarmed civilians and claim that was done to protect the governor and the provincial capitol.

PNP director general Oscar Calderon called the footages showing blatant violation of human rights by the policemen during the dispersal operation "very disturbing footages."

And DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno added that when the police are clearing any kind of place where people who are not supposed to be there, are there, there will always be pushing and shoving, etc." When the police commander went into the capitol, provincial guards were reportedly in the premises and apparently armed, and the police were just following in instructions," was how Puno tried to justify the excesses of the mobile patrol group.

In short, there was not even a determined effort to find out what the provincial guards were there in the capitol for. Just that - they were armed and, therefore, would defend the Governor Niel Tupas who was inside his office.

In short, lawmen were themselves threats to the law.

Senior Supt. Pedro Merced, head of the RMG, admitted that they had gone to Iloilo without prior knowledge on what they were supposed to do. But, shortly after arrival, they were briefed on their mission and deployed to the capitol.

But the most brazen play of words was the contention by the lawyers of Vice Governor Roberto Armada that they are going to file sedition case against Gov. Tupas, administrator Boy Mejorada, board members Niel Tupas Jr. and Domingo Oso and provincial warden Juan Mabugat for preventing Armada and Emmanuel Gallar from entering the capitol.

The TRO reportedly became "moot and academic" because Armada and Gallar had already taken their oath of office as acting governor and vice governor when it was issued.

By inference, they claimed, the TRO was to protect the function of Armada and Gallar rather than prevent the forcible ouster of Tupas.

So, what did the Court of Appeals do? Compound the problem?

When the appellate court justices issued the TRO it was in response to the petition by Tupas and company. Thus, the intention of the court was in answer to the petition by Tupas et al.

No, it is turned around and used to justify the Armada governorship.

In effect, the tension in Iloilo has not defused. Politicos still have a way of roiling a situation that could easily have been resolved by the simple question of seeking forgiveness for excessive use of force by the police and acknowledgement of mistakes made.

That is why yesterday I asked the audience of Negrenses at the Graciano Lopez Jaena's 111th death anniversary how the Ilonggo national hero would have reacted to the Iloilo mess.

You know, there was something that struck me. It was Capadocia of Iloilo that led military authorities into a merry chase during the post war years of the Huk rebellion. And in contrast to Negros, it was the more restive area.

And the dangerous point is when you have a charismatic leader like Niel Tupas subjected to heavy-handed treatment by the administration, the Ilonggos could be sufficiently riled as to pose a major problem to the military and police authorities.

That's why, I think, the administration should listen to the words of wisdom of religious leaders of Western Visayas before the fire gets out of control.Y*

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