PRESIDENT AQUINO’S HELP SOUGHT IN RESOLVING USM STAND OFF

Earlier today, I sent a text message to President Benigno S. Aquino III seeking his personal intercession in resolving and ending the unrest in my Alma Mater, the University of Southern Mindanao.

The unrest has prevented thousands of students, mostly children of poor families, from entering the school campus even when classes have started two weeks ago.

Here is the text of my message to President Aquino, a copy of which was forwarded to Sec. Mar Roxas of the Dept. of Interior and Local Government:

“As an alumnus of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), I would like to personally seek your help by directing the proper agencies to end the unrest caused by rallyists which prevented thousands of students, mostly from poor families, from entering the school campus.

“The parents are appealing for your intercession. Thank you.”

Knowing of the President’s personal concern for students from poor families, I am expecting an immediate action from him on this matter.

At the same time, I believe authorities must now really look into the real and true agenda of the people behind the unrest at the USM.

Reports have it that many of them are not from the University but are outsiders claiming to have children who are studying in the school.

The following questions should also be answered by the rally leaders:

What is it that you really want to achieve?
Why do you have use the innocent students from poor families as hostages in achieving your objectives?
Under what terms are you willing to negotiate?

Unfortunately for us, no one among our local leaders, and I hope I will not be misunderstood as sour-graping, has shown the resolve and the determination to address this problem which started six months ago.

Let us all pray that President Aquino will heed our appeal and act on this.

As things stand now, only a President action and intervention could end this problem.

Source: Manny Piñol