By Billie Mercado and Renee Tolentino

A shooting incident at the Ateneo Gate 3 was reported July 24, 2:55 PM. As of 5:45 PM via Rappler News, Quezon City Police confirmed that at least three people were dead and the suspect is said to have already been captured. 

However, aside from breaking news that escalated through the walls of social media, some netizens also posted uncalled for comments and opinions online, simply connecting the unfortunate incident to politicians both past and present.

THREAD OF INDECENT POSTS:

Such a blatant lack of mutual respect and empathy is founded on political fanaticism—a phenomenon that has been plaguing Philippine society since the days of the Marcoses and Aquinos. Even in the present day where new political hues emerge, the colors red and yellow continue to represent the clash of the two powerful families, therefore causing a divide among the Filipino people up to the point that opinions displayed the lacking basic value of decency.

*The post above has been deleted by its author.

This has led to people connecting negative occurrences rooted as an action of the so-called opposition of their judgment. As a plethora of these incidents continue to stain morals, it has come to the extent that comments and opinions tend to redtag the people who have the opposite belief as them, causing chaos and wrecking havoc to common courtesy.

With a myriad of Filipinos continuing to idolize and immortalize politicians, even moral issues have been reduced to an us-versus-them battle against the party they do not support, rather than a fight for good to reign over evil.

Yet, through all this commotion, we know that as Ateneans, the decisions we make and values we stand for should always be based on principles, not merely on people. Let us continue to fight for the common good, keeping in mind the best interests of every Filipino, and not just a mere few. For the betterment of our country, it should not be red, yellow, pink, or any color that shall triumph. 

Signs, symbols, and colors may have the power to divide the people—but above all, love for the country and dignity holds the highest importance that shall prevail. 

Thumbnail from Ateneo de Manila University