EDITORIAL - Bombing in Bukidnon

Until yesterday, no one had claimed responsibility for the bus bombing last Tuesday in Bukidnon that killed 10 people, including six students of the Central Mindanao University, and wounded at least 11 other students.

A commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, which broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, has been charged for the attack, although some Bukidnon officials expressed doubts about BIFF involvement. Extortion is believed to be the motive for the bombing of the Rural Transit Mindanao bus – a common problem among transport operators who refuse to pay “revolutionary taxes” to the New People’s Army. The NPA does not own up to bomb attacks on buses, telecommunications towers and private estates in its extortion activities. A representative of the RTM bus company, however, said they had received no demand for money.

Regardless of the motive, the attack has raised valid concern over more bombings. This gives urgency to the arrest of the perpetrators. There is widespread mourning at the CMU over the loss of so many students and wounding of several others. The victims must get justice.

No ideology or cause can justify such violent attacks, especially when they take the lives of non-combatants. If extortion is the motive, every effort must be made to prevent the perpetrators from continuing the use of deadly violence to raise funds. NPA extortion has been one of the biggest hindrances to the development of poor areas. It is one of the top disincentives to the types of investments that can generate jobs and lift people from poverty in the countryside.

If the BIFF is behind the bombing, it should provide more impetus for state forces to intensify efforts to neutralize the group. The BIFF is committed to derailing the peace process with Islamic separatists. It must be thwarted decisively.