Dimalutang, Aslimah M.

Grade 11 STEM
JOURNAL 5 (2nd Week)

EDITORIAL: Imported criminality

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
05:04 AM December 14, 2019

Reading the editorial gave me chills in my bones. In social media

especially in Facebook, I had encountered many issues regarding
kidnapping and human trafficking within the Philippines. There is also
no news about the perpetrators getting caught by the authorities. I
can’t relax when going outside knowing that they may be roaming around
the city.

I had actually watched the said video just recently. It is very

sad because there are people who witness it, yet they don’t have the
courage to help the poor girl. I do understand their reason for their
hesitation, but have they thought of their selves if in case they
happen to be in the same situation as the victim? What is more
devastating was that the law enforcers don’t have the urge to go after
the kidnappers simply because they are foreigners. It as if we are
still in the hands of the foreign nations that we must wait for their
order before seizing the criminals. Funny thing is that Chinese
nationals are involved in the rising criminality regarding kidnapping
and their targets are Chinese as well. Does that mean it is okay
because the victims are not Filipinos, so it doesn’t need immediate
actions? Law enforcers must do their job regardless of the
nationality. The fact that it is threatening the safety of the
citizens must be enough to make them move.

This is a constant reminder of our history. Foreign nationals do

as they please in our country. If the government doesn’t stop this
earlier, we might again be the victim of their terror. This is also
the result of their actions because foreign nations may think they are
weak and afraid. Sadly, this may be true.
Dimalutang, Aslimah M.
Grade 11 STEM
JOURNAL 6 (2nd week)

EDITORIAL - Another chance for peace

Source: The Philippine Star
December 14, 2019 - 12:00am

I do know that there is communist party during the past

administrations; however, I am shock to know they are still here.
There are little to no news about their activities lately that had me
think they are no longer active.

It is very reassuring to know that the Pres. Rodrigo Duterte puts

more concerns on the state of the nation rather than the economic
status of our country. He is stabilizing the social and political
issues. Even though he has a ruthless character, he has proven his
worth as the president. Reconciling with the insurgent movements such
as the MNLF and NPA is one of his most outstanding goals. He listens
to them despite going against his administration. It is hard to have
peace agreements especially if their demands are heavy. Still, he was
amazingly able to deal with it.

I am very happy to hear that issues like this are peacefully done
by the government. Mindanao is getting near to have its own order. All
thanks to the president himself. Hopefully, this peace will continue
until the next administration.
Dimalutang, Aslimah M.
Grade 11 STEM
JOURNAL 7 (2nd week)

Duterte appoints Misuari economic envoy to Organization of Islamic

Cooperation
By JC Gotinga
Source: Rappler
6:27 PM, December 14, 2019

I felt grateful for once to have someone as a president. For many

years, Filipino Muslims were not really given attention by the
government. The opportunities presented to us were little. Our demands
were rarely provided. It was too bad, however it is true.

Nevertheless after Pres. Duterte was elected, Muslims in Mindanao

were given more chances to join in different affairs. Duterte
appointing Nur Misuari is a good sign that Filipino Muslims are given
equal treatment as to others. This may dissolve the discrimination
towards Islamic believers and lead to a harmonious nation. The
president’s action also shows how he put his trust to Misuari despite
being a rebel. Maybe through this, other members of MNLF will learn
to trust and cooperate with Duterte and his administration. The bad
blood between two parties may also cease. It also seems to be that
many disagree with Duterte’s decision because the appointment is
important and he’s entrusting it to the leader of the rebels. But I
think this is also the best solution to avoid spilling blood. It is
not also a thoughtless decision because Misuari is a Muslim himself
and used to be a government official.

I understand the side of rebels. But violence is not the right

way to use. Now that the agreement is signed by the two sides, we can
only hope that this could start the long lasting peace in Mindanao.
Dimalutang, Aslimah M.
Grade 11 STEM
JOURNAL 8 (2nd week)

EDITORIAL - Cell phone ban

The Philippine Star
December 4, 2019 - 12:00am

Technology continues to improve and develop in a short time. We

are a hundred times advance than we were 10 years ago. It is truly
helpful to have these technologies in hand. But we failed to notice
our too much dependence to it.

I realize that our dependency to smartphones decreased our

capabilities. Lately, I cannot think of suitable words without looking
at my Merriam Webster dictionary in my phone. I cannot give out the
definition of a word without depending on my phone. Same goes to other
students who cannot formulate their own answer and just look at the
internet to plagiarize. Student’s performances are plumed down. Sadly,
it is true that we became lazy because of what we have. We cannot work
on our own because smart phones limit our opportunities to grow and
develop our skills. If the bill will be implemented, maybe this could
lead to further improvements of students’ mental abilities. We have
studies to prove that a learning environment without gadgets as
hindrance can mold the child more. We also have seen the effect. I
think there is nothing bad to this bill.

Sitting for 8 hours in our chair without anything to keep us

entertained is surely boring. I mean even me can get bored easily and
I hate my phone to be away from me too. But if it is for a good cause,
then there is no room hesitation. If it is for our own good, I think
the school should consider this bill.