SINCE April, Negros Occidental’s peace and order situation has been marked by a series of notorious incidents that have tarnished the province’s image and reputation on both the national and international stages.
The much-discussed Toboso incident on April 19, which left 19 people dead, cast a dark shadow over the province’s branding as the “Land of Sweet Surprises.”
Literally and figuratively speaking, the bloody incident that occurred in remote Sitio Sinugmawan, Barangay Salamanca, became an international news story because two Filipino-American rights advocates based in the United States were among those killed.
As a result, the military found itself swallowing harsh criticism over allegations that the “Negros 19” were victims of a massacre rather than casualties of an armed encounter.
The Army, however, has remained steadfast in defending its actions, insisting that the operation was legitimate and directed against members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Thus, the battle over the truth behind the “Negros 19” continues to rage between the military and human rights advocates, becoming a high-stakes issue that resonates far beyond Philippine shores.
Then came the May 16 encounter in Cauayan — and once again, civilians were reported dead.
Five individuals allegedly linked to the NPA were killed. Among them was Cebuano Vince Francis “Ding” Dingding, a former student leader of the University of the Philippines Cebu.
Dingding’s death also stirred public emotions in Negros Occidental.
His unclaimed remains reportedly became the subject of military surveillance as authorities monitored who might visit him at a mortuary in Cauayan.
Eventually, his family decided not to claim the body because of financial constraints.
As a result, Dingding was buried at the Cauayan Public Cemetery.
Aside from the continuing Army-NPA conflict, the raid on the alleged underground operations of electronic sabong (e-sabong) in Talisay City last May also disrupted the province’s tranquility.
Adding to the unsettling atmosphere were the successive raids on two illegal cigarette manufacturing hubs in Bacolod City and Bago City, likewise conducted in May.
Combine all these unpleasant “ganaps,” and one cannot help but exclaim:
“Gosh, what a shit!”
‘POOR PR’
Instead of finding ways to redirect public attention from these disturbing developments, the provincial government and the military have found themselves engaged in debates over social media posts and online reports.
Sad to say, they have been unable to match the public relations machinery of leftist groups and human rights advocates, both here and abroad.
Not even the presence of Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro — who has already visited the province twice — has been enough to rescue the government side from its “poor PR.”
Simply put, both the provincial government and the Army have failed to contain the public outrage that generated sympathy and empathy for the victims of the Toboso and Cauayan incidents.
The reality is that genuine emotions are difficult to restrain.
Consequently, the Army has struggled to convince the public that its actions were justified and that the NPA was in the wrong.
Until now, it continues to wrestle with a public relations campaign aimed at reversing perceptions that government soldiers have once again become “reborn bulldogs in the mountains.”
‘GO GAGA’
Now enters Victorias City Mayor Abelardo “JunB” Bantug III, who brought the stars of ABS-CBN’s ASAP XP to the city for twin concerts on June 7 at the Victorias Coliseum.
The concerts featured some of the country’s biggest entertainment personalities, including:
• Ogie and Regine Alcasid
• Bamboo Mañalac
• Martin Nievera
• Zsa Zsa Padilla
• Erik Santos
• Angeline Quinto
• Lani Misalucha
• Donny Pangilinan
• Belle Mariano
• and others
The noon and evening shows became, in many ways, a beautiful shift from shit for Negros Occidental.
Indeed, Negrenses literally “went gaga” over the performances of their favorite idols.
Inside the jampacked Victorias Coliseum, both young and old screamed with delight as they watched and sang along with their beloved celebrities.
For a few hours, they forgot the issues and troubles that had been weighing heavily on the province.
In short, it was quite an effective diversionary tactic.
Thanks to Mayor JunB and Victorias City, ASAP XP became a genuine stress reliever for Negrenses who had carried the burden of bad news for more than two months.
ALTRUISTIC DOING
Perhaps Mayor JunB never really thought about the broader impact the ASAP XP concerts would have on the people of Negros Occidental.
According to him, he merely presented ASAP’s proposal to the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. When they approved it, then “it’s a go.”
Mayor JunB added that the city government simply extended logistical support to the production.
Unknowingly, however, helping clear the minds of Negrenses from two months’ worth of grim headlines may be considered an altruistic act.
The twin concerts offered temporary relief to residents who had been bombarded with heavy news and negative publicity, all while grappling with an oil crisis-induced economic squeeze.
Add to that the never-ending political zarzuela, and Filipinos continue to carry the daily burden of making ends meet.
Yet seeing their favorite stars perform live before them seemed to ease their breathing, if only for a while.
As the saying goes, “Mababaw lang ang kaligayahan ng Pinoy.”
Call it resilience at its finest.
No matter what happens, Filipinos know how to endure life’s countless brouhahas.
Artists, in many ways, become the people’s medicine during difficult times.
The Army should understand this.
Perhaps the idea may sound “buki” to some military minds, but it matters.
I remember the days when the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) in Cadiz City, then under the command of the late General Carlos Clet, maintained its own military band.
The band regularly performed during barangay fiestas across northern Negros Occidental, especially in remote hinterland communities.
People appreciated them immensely.
In the end, the Army won hearts not because of guns and bullets but because of music and human connection.
The Army must never underestimate the power of music.
Music creates vivid memories.
It relieves stress.
Above all, it connects people and touches every aspect of the human experience.
There is an unseen magic in music.
Hence, without further ado, Mayor JunB has become something of an instant hero in Negros Occidental.
And he deserves a round of applause.
Because with ASAP XP, he truly managed to pull off a fantastic shift from shit./PN
