KATALINGKÁSAN SA KATAKÓTAN: A Study on Fear as an Indicator of Underdevelopment in Camarines Sur, Bicol

Abstract

The main hypothesis of this study is fear as an indicator of underdevelopment. The research established four specific objectives to test this hypothesis: (1) describe the forms of militarization present in Camarines Sur, Bicol; (2) explore its impact on the organized members of civil society; (3) explore its impact on the non-organized members of civil society; lastly (4) determine how fear can impede development in the region. The methods used in this study were KII, one-on-one semi-structured interviews, expert interview, survey questionnaires, case studies, direct observation, and desk research. The researcher utilized a mixed method convergent parallel design for the data collection. Results indicate that the forms of militarization in Bicol are proliferated through the legalization of state repression from three notable laws: Memorandum Order no. 32, Executive Order no. 70, and the Anti-Terror law of 2020. The organized sector is negatively affected by this militarization as they receive the brunt of the crackdown against dissenters. Their members cope through collective action and heightened personal safety measures. Meanwhile, the majority of the non-organized sector was also negatively affected by the atmosphere of fear generated from the militarization of the region. They developed personal coping mechanisms to relieve the fear they felt. The fear generated by the militarization of the region hinders the personal, political, and economic development of the residents. Interestingly, the strategy of militarization also alludes to psychological warfare. This study asserts that fear is an indicator of underdevelopment.