EDITORIAL - Help from the MILF

If there’s tepid enthusiasm outside the affected areas for the ongoing peace process, one of the reasons has to be the continuing violence and crimes committed by the Abu Sayyaf and other groups beyond the control of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

So it’s good to know that the MILF will help in the pursuit of Abu Sayyaf bandits who kidnapped and freed recently two German tourists, and who still have about 10 other foreign captives. With each foreigner worth about $2.5 million, the Abu Sayyaf kidnapping spree is unlikely to end soon, especially since the national government seems to have no interest in stopping or recovering ransom payments – the biggest reason for the persistence of kidnapping.

Proactive MILF assistance would have been more useful, particularly because several separatists are reportedly related by blood or marriage to Abu Sayyaf bandits. But perhaps MILF members preferred to have a peace pact signed first before showing that a deal with them might actually lead to a significant improvement in the security situation in Mindanao’s conflict zones.

The Abu Sayyaf operates in areas that the government and MILF hope will vote for inclusion in the proposed Bangsamoro entity. That entity will need a massive infusion not only of development assistance but also private investments that can provide jobs and lift residents from poverty. Abu Sayyaf atrocities are among the biggest disincentives to private investment and tourism in the proposed Bangsamoro area.

The Abu Sayyaf must be neutralized, but government forces are stumbling all over the jungles of Sulu in search of the bandits and their captives. The local government is also unable to do anything or uninterested in attempting to put an end to the Abu Sayyaf scourge. Perhaps MILF assistance will make a difference.