The Islamic State has issued a statement that it was behind the blasts that killed at least 20 and injured scores of others during Mass at a Catholic Church Sunday morning. This claim notwithstanding, probes are under way and authorities have assured the public that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Several countries and world leaders have condemned the blasts, saying it was a senseless act by cowards. Senseless, indeed. Cowards, indeed.
News of the bombing dampened an otherwise hopeful and optimistic mood across the strife-torn South. The Bangsamoro Organic Law had just been passed by Congress and a plebiscite was held just a week ago to get the people’s nod on the law that would establish a new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
The passage of the law was hailed as something no other administration has done before. President Rodrigo Duterte’s strong political will was said to be instrumental. Finally, lasting peace—or at least its possibility—appeared within reach.
Then again, we may have spoken too soon. The Jan. 21 plebiscite had its own share of delays and other problems. The law is being challenged before the Supreme Court on grounds of unconstitutionality.
Most importantly, Sunday’s blast was a painful reminder that despite the passage of the law, the projected results of the plebiscite, and all the lofty objectives toward peace and development, Mindanao will not magically turn into a peaceful place. Foremost, international terrorists have found their way to it, and not even the extended martial law across Mindanao could stop this.
The blasts also showed the rest of us what “terror” truly means. A church is a place for solace, but it turned out that not even the most sacred places are safe from the evil designs of the enemy.
Incidents like the Jolo bombings could be powerful sources of disenfranchisement. Authorities are now scrambling for answers and people are staying indoors, fearing for their lives. This could only validate terrorists’ faith in their own designs.
The biggest fight we can put up now is against despair. It’s a long and thorny road ahead, but Mindanao, supported by the rest of the country, must move forward.
