Newsworthy Maitum

The recently completed, but still debated election was relatively peaceful in Sarangani Province. To whom the credit might belong is anyone’s guess; perhaps no single element, group, or individual should claim credit. However the capable leadership of Governor Miguel Dominquez, known popularly as Migs, is probably due some responsibility. Migs came into office three years ago and immediately cracked-down on former and existing mayors and other officials involved in gross negligence and corruption. Some have been indicted, others tried, convicted, and sentenced. That increased his reverence among the populace, and his subsequent performance has cemented the respect.

One exception to Sarangani’s peaceful election climate was the municipality of Maitum, which lies on the province’s far Western frontier. Maitum has a troubled past. It was a center of rebel hostilities among the Muslim separatists and Communists, and other violence for many years. Much of that changed several years ago when a local business man, George Yabes, was elected mayor.

Mayor Yabes campaigned on a platform of mutual respect, integrity, protection of women and children, and education. Anyone can wage such a campaign, but Mayor Yabes meant every word of it. He spent a subsequent 9 years in office perfecting those promises, delivering on them, and taking them even further. He won the hearts and souls of the people of Maitum and its 19 Barangays, who today revere him as “Uncle George.” Maitum enjoyed several years of peace and order, plus a headstrong force against evil under the leadership of Yabes.

Most Mindanoans know that Mayor Yabes was gunned down by assassins last November, just six months before the end of his final term in office. The real reasons for his murder, as well as the full list of accomplices are still under investigation and prosecution. If the motive was political (one theory), it was a senseless act because Yabes was already in his last days in office. The same is true if the motive was in response to his outspoken and aggressive opposition to traditional illegal activities in this area such as logging, smuggling, gambling, and poaching.

Even before the Yabes assassination could be adjudicated, Edwin Ramos, an incumbent Maitum board councilor running for re-election, was assassinated outside his home the night before the election. Of the Maitum candidates, Mr. Ramos was the most outspoken against the same illegal activities that Yabes worked to stop. His murder, too, is not yet resolved.

One man, not even two men can fight evil effectively. It takes a movement and a larger body of concerned persons to effect such change. So I believe the timing of these murders is the best clue as to motive.

Yabes was killed as local people began to position themselves to run for his office. In the absence of Yabes during the period of candidate posturing and subsequent campaigning, no candidate could say he or she had the support and endorsement of Yabes, which would have been a vital advantage when appealing to local citizens for their votes. So, there was motive in eliminating Yabes before the election process officially began, so he could not leverage his popularity and endorse any particular candidates.

I believe the killing of Ramos hours before the polls opened, was meant to frighten citizens and keep them from voting. In fact, both killings were designed to frighten people. The good people of Maitum responded by converging on the polls in righteous anger, voting a new mayor and a new slate of councilors, nearly all of whom were endorsed by Governor Migs. The late Edwin Ramos received the highest number of board votes. Comelec approved his widow, Elsie Ramos to fill his seat.

I suppose in an intense moment of rage, one’s temper might rise sufficiently to pull a trigger or wield a blade against an innocent person; an act followed by equally intense remorse. But, to strategize then murder someone in front of his family (true in both of the instances noted here), simply to remove him from your path to hell, is an unfathomable concept that demands something far greater than punishment, and I’m confident God has plenty of punitive measures He can level against such a person.

Is Maitum a lawless, unsafe place to visit or live? I do not believe so, or I would not be here with my family. The solicitors of evil who are ultimately responsible for these murders have nothing to gain by killing more people simply because they have opinions. They might raise their hand against other good people who are actively working against their evil plans. We are all praying for our new mayor and other officials, that they will exercise their authority with wisdom and be protected in all they do, and everywhere they go. In general, I feel safer here than trying to cross busy intersections in General Santos City or Davao.

If you visit Maitum you will observe banners and signs across the municipality proclaiming the peoples’ demand for justice: “Justice for Mayor Yabes,” “Justice for Edwin Ramos,” “Justice for Maitum.” All Mindanaons should be demanding “justice” for these killings.