Former Philippine Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has formed a task force to address the recent wave of violence in Negros Island, which has claimed the lives of several farmers and activists. The task force, called “Defend Negros,” will include lawyers, doctors and other professionals who will work together to help maintain peace and order in the region.
The task force was formed in response to calls from local officials and civil society groups, who have expressed concern over the spate of killings and other violent incidents on Negros Island. The island has been the site of a number of land disputes and other conflicts in recent years, with many farmers and indigenous peoples fighting to protect their land from large-scale development projects.
The task force will work with local police and other authorities to investigate the recent violence, and will also provide legal assistance and other forms of support to victims and their families. Marcos Jr., who is widely expected to run for president in the next election, has said that the task force is part of his efforts to promote peace and unity in the Philippines.
In a statement released on Monday, Marcos Jr. said that he was “deeply concerned” about the recent violence on Negros Island. “As a son of the soil, I share the grief and anguish of the people of Negros who have lost loved ones in these senseless killings,” he said. “We cannot allow this cycle of violence and bloodshed to continue. We must work together to put an end to it.”
Local officials and civil society groups have welcomed the formation of the task force, which they say is much-needed given the current climate of fear and uncertainty on Negros Island. “We are grateful to Senator Marcos for taking up this challenge and for providing much-needed support to our communities,” said one local official. “We look forward to working with him to bring peace and security to the region.”
Others have praised the task force for its broad mandate, which they say will allow it to address a wide range of issues related to peace and security on Negros Island. “The fact that the task force includes lawyers and other professionals shows that it is not just focused on law enforcement, but on addressing the root causes of the violence,” said one civil society leader. “This is exactly what we need right now.”
Despite the positive response to the formation of the task force, there are some who remain wary of Marcos Jr.’s intentions, given his family’s controversial history in Philippine politics. The Marcos family was accused of human rights abuses and corruption during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who ruled the country from 1965 until his ouster in 1986. Although Marcos Jr. has distanced himself from his father’s legacy, many Filipinos remain skeptical of his political ambitions.
For his part, Marcos Jr. has sought to reassure the public that the task force is purely intended to promote peace and security on Negros Island, and has downplayed any talk of broader political ambitions. “This is not about me or my political career,” he said. “This is about helping our fellow Filipinos who are suffering from violence and unrest.”
