“This latest act of terrorism in Mindanao should prod law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in finding the perpetrators and bringing them to justice”
How wrong we all were in thinking that with the resounding defeat of the Islamic State-linked Maute Group in Marawi City in 2017, the threat of terrorist attacks has diminished, even disappeared altogether.
The stark reality is that remnants of terrorist cells have simply been hiding in the shadows, recruiting new members and planning yet another attack that would send a clear signal they are alive and well.
Is it true that the bombing that took place inside the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur last week, killing four people and leaving 50 more injured during a Catholic Mass, is the handiwork of the Islamic State?
If that claim can be validated, then authorities should work double-time and run after the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group reported to be operating in Lanao del Sur. News reports indicate that probers are trying to determine if the attack is retaliation for the killing of 11 members of the terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah in Maguindanao, including its declared leader Abdullah Sapal, on December 1.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has condemned “in the strongest possible terms the senseless and most heinous acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists” and directed police and armed forces “to ensure the protection and safety of civilians and the security of affected and vulnerable communities.”
He also urged the public to remain calm and keep the victims and affected individuals in their prayers.
The latest terrorist incident in Mindanao has even gained international attention, with the ambassadors of the United States and European Union expressing strong condemnation of the bombing incident.
“We condemn this act of violence and support efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said.
For his part, EU Ambassador the Philippines Luc Véron said: “It’s deeply disheartening to learn of the explosion at Mindanao State University in Marawi. Violence has no place in schools. In this difficult time, my thoughts are filled with concern for those students who have suffered injuries, and my sympathy extends to the families who have lost their loved ones.”
The MSU, meanwhile, said its “community is deeply saddened and appalled by the act of violence that occurred during a religious gathering at the university gymnasium.”
School officials said they are working closely with local authorities and law enforcement to ensure the safety of the campus.
The Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division said the bombing incident is an act of terror. “Probably the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group since they are in Lanao del Sur but we are looking at the bomb signature to determine if the group was indeed behind it,” they said, adding there are around 41 remnants of the terrorist group in Lanao del Sur.
The Philippine National Police confirmed the four casualties and many more wounded: “Our dedicated teams are on the ground, diligently working to establish the facts and identify the individuals or groups responsible for this despicable act.”
Camp Crame also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and allow investigative teams to complete their work.
This latest act of terrorism in Mindanao should prod law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in finding the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
Terrorist acts such as this should not go unpunished as these will set back government efforts to restore peace and order in southern Philippines which has long been wracked by rebellion, kidnapping for ransom incidents and clan wars.
The result: sluggish economic development and perpetuation of mass poverty for many of its people.
We should not allow a repeat of the 2017 Marawi siege that led to intense fighting that cost many lives and near-total destruction of the city that still needs to be rebuilt from the ground up six years later.
The government should now run after terrorist groups with hammer and tongs if we want peace to prevail southern Philippines.
(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
