Sinagtala
ISYU 3 OCTOBER 2019
Persistence of resistance
Mindanao has witnessed the harshest faces of conflict and violence. Thousands of people remain displaced, their lives uprooted, while the shadows of fear and anxiety linger. However, in the cracks and gaps blooms new hope. Our society has been collectively surviving violence in all its forms. Violence is widespread poverty, the lack of opportunities and representation, and the continued injustices and marginalization. It is in the 35,000 killed in the bloody campaign against illegal drugs and the unceasing displacements brought by armed conflict in parts of the Philippines. We see it in the killings of farmers who are fighting for their right to own land and in the internally-displaced persons left without livelihood and homes. Those who have grown to know only violence and survive its repercussions are more certainly bound to follow the same path. We must understand that violence against cultures, communities, and the self are the main drivers why people also opt to take up arms. The roots of extremism and violence may run deep in our society, but it is not the only path paved for us. As people, we can affect changes and realize these in a way that is familiar and relevant for us.
A study by the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict found that 70 per cent of nonviolent campaigns all over the world have succeeded, five times the success rate of violent campaigns. This shows that nonviolence works better than violence and leads to longer term, sustainable reforms.
Mahatma Gandhi, who led the non-violent movement for India’s independence, said that “in the midst of death, life persists, in the midst of untruth, truth persists, in the midst of darkness, light persists.� We are not bound by the harsh environment that we live in. The youth are offered limitless choices, paths, and weapons to realize the changes they want to see in the world. All over the Philippines, they are the leading voices against injustice, marginalization, and impunity. The Let Us Go Home Movement of Marawi have used social media and video production, coupled with mass demonstrations to make their voices heard. This is also offered by youth activist groups in Luzon and Visayas who self-publish zines, organize poetry readings, and use visual arts as protest.
The youth of today is brewing a far stronger, far effective movement through non-violent means. They understand that we have the right to dream and experience a much better world. A world where children can play without fear. A world where communities live with dignity. Resistance remains persistent because this world is still far from reach. As an act of solidarity, we can choose to write, to draw, to speak, or even to take up arms. These are our choices and we all have the right to choose. Remember, however, that it is in our hands if we are to break the cycle of violence or only to keep the wheel turning.