Last January 25, 2015, the Philippine nation woke up to sad news.

A unit of the Special Action Forces (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) was massacred by Moro-Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) forces while on a special mission in Maguindanao, a province in Mindanao. When the smoke cleared 44 police officers were reported dead, some shot in close range. There were so many scenarios and assumptions on why an elite government police unit had so many casualties. An outcry for justice, retribution, and blame filled the social media. The Aquino administration was the target of several criticisms on how it handled the situation. Some found it to be another opportunity to bash the President and his administration.

Yes I agree that an elite unit of Philippine National Police Special Action Force does not deserve such fate. I also agree that the government, the Aquino administration in particular, was not able to console our grieving people on the murder of our police officers. Furthermore, there is no assurance of justice for them at this time. I can also empathize with those calling to halt the peace talks between these rebel groups and hold the passing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Yes, it is true that we all seek long lasting peace in Mindanao. But this cannot be achieved if we are full of doubt and treachery. We can only achieve it if we are fair and sincere.

There is a tiny detail hiding in the background that we must not overlook. The subjects pursued by the PNP-SAF in this operation are on the most wanted terrorist list of America. This may possibly have been US initiated. They may even have led the operation thus making details top secret. The truth on what happened in Maguindanao may never come out. This is deeper than anything we know. Something else lurks behind the shadows.

However, let us not allow ourselves to be divided as a nation because of what we see and hear. Some things are not what it seems. This is the price we pay for the friends we keep.

The best thing to do is to gather as a nation and be vigilant. Let us not allow ourselves to be fooled by foreign strings that play on our sovereign soil. Honor the 44 brave policemen that died for this country. Seek justice for them. Protect the constitution of the Philippines and the one and only flag that flies up on the blue Philippine skies. To the 44 that sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, the Philippine nation salutes you. We shall never forget.