Four bloody months ahead?

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Had those words come from anyone else but the incumbent, and now assuredly the continuing head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines , one might brush them off as an irresponsible boast.

But coming as they did from the Chief of the country's military, who has just been anointed for an extended four more months in the office, they are more than enough to send shivers down the spine of every peace-loving Filipino who had been hoping to see a peaceful solution to the problems that have plagued this country for so many long years now. As already announced in the media, the term of AFP Chief Hermogenes Esperon, who is supposed to have attained the age of retirement, is being lengthened up to May this year which, yes, means that he has four more months to prove himself, and, God forbid! make good his claim about bloodshed.

And if you believe him, those four months will see bloodbaths in our countrysides, maybe even in our towns and cities!

Naturally, such words drew sharp reactions from all sectors of the community, among them the religious sector that has never been slow in speaking up on issues involving the peace and well-being of the people. It has also provoked strong criticism from members of Congress. Perhaps they have struck dumb some of the outspoken members of society because of their recklessness.

But the one thing that seems to bother thinking Filipinos is the fact that the fighting words of the Army Chief and the pronouncements of other government leaders about continuing attempts to dialog with the perceived enemies of the State do not jibe at all. Are we for peace talks, or are we for bloodshed? Is this another case of right hand and left hand unaware of what each is doing?*