There is something that has stuck with me for quite some time, that I still find myself reflecting upon. Again during an informal conversation that some of us students had with a peace activist, the topic of corruption, threats of violence, and one’s own imminent death were discussed. We were able to engage in intimate conversations when we broke for lunch, which allowed us to mingle with different individuals from the community. I had heard previous stories of failed assassinations and threats back in Davao from another peace builder but for some reason this particular conversation stuck with me. When this person spoke they appeared calm about the prospect of harm. They halfway joked by saying the community was so small, and the issues so transparent that if one day they were murdered everyone would know who was responsible for their assassination. I was shocking and saddened to hear someone speak so candidly about something so terrible and scary. At what point in this person’s life, did they come to terms with this idea? Why not just stop doing what they do? I am beginning to see that being an advocate for peace can have serious consequences.
I marvel at the courage individuals have when they strive to create more peaceful societies. Trying to create peace in a region or community can take ones entire lifetime before real progress can be seen. The peace work being done with children at this very moment in time might not show its benefits until they are adults themselves. I started thinking about my own future goals and if peace building will have any place in my future professional and personal goals. I wonder if I would be capable of putting my own life on the line to create peace? We discussed in class last semester the potential danger individuals may face when they work in post-conflict areas. The threats a person can face are beyond those of ex-combatants or military. What I am seeing are the various actors that become entangled in conflicts, and even how there are corporations and people who will exploit conflicts to achieve their own objectives. When you are a threat to someone’s or a group’s agenda or business prospects, you can easily be ‘eliminated’.