Sending a big contingent of government troops in Sulu would only worsen the situation. This has happened before, the government dismantled the Moro rebels’ camps and yet the problem is still there.

The Sulu clashes already left 57 killed on both sides. T’was so far the biggest casualty of the government soldiers in a single day — 27 killed while 30 on the other side. President Arroyo ordered more deployment of troops in the island of Sulu. I was told that at least 70% of the government forces is already in Mindanao. Still, there is no peace. When will the government learn from this?

I may sound rhetoric. But the Mindanao problem could not be resolved through the barrel of the gun. Although today the government could hardly afford to lose the gains of the “relative peace” in Mindanao. Many foreign assistance have been poured in Mindanao following the all-out war in 2000 and the war in Pikit, 2003.

Mindanao situation also contribute a lot to the image or rating of the President. Waging another war could mean failure of governance. The government should rethink first before engaging into shooting wars.

But for some, war is business. It’s not only the politicians benefit from the war, also those are directly giving assistance to the evacuees. Who else, make your guess? The media too…but that’s another story.

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