'End Abu Sayyaf reign of terror'

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines  – Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad yesterday appealed to President Benigno Aquino III to finally put an end to the brutality of Abu Sayyaf militants in the province, the most recent of which was the execution of their six civilian hostages.

Jumoad said Basilan residents are losing hope on the continuous kidnappings and terror attacks perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf.

The Abu Sayyaf band led by Puruji Indama executed through firing squad last June 5 the three civilians it seized last May 27 in Sumisip town. A week later, on June 12, the militants kidnapped three lumberjacks and beheaded them.

The deadliest this year was the attack in Isabela City on April 13 where Indama’s men disguised as police commandos set bombs and shot villagers.

The Abu Sayyaf is currently being pursued by combined forces of the police and military after Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar gave the go-signal for a full-blast offensive.

But Jumoad blamed the absence of governance for the thriving of the militants in the impoverished yet potentially natural resources-rich province.

“People are scattered and nobody is in command. We hope the Aquino government will direct the mayors to be in their area of responsibility to be hands-on on the situation,” Jumoad said.