A mailed fist policy for the Abu Sayyaf

The Abu Sayyaf Islamic Militant Group in and around Jolo and Basilan have been a terrorist threat to the country for many years. They have been responsible for several kidnappings, skirmishes and one of the worst terrorist attacks in the country – the Superferry bombing killing over 100 people  in 2004. There is no doubt that they have steadily become a bigger and bigger problem and terrorist threat and it’s scary to see that they are only getting worse and getting stronger continuing with their horrible standard of killing, raping, kidnapping  and extorting.

The bombing of the Davao night market which caused at least 14 deaths and over 70 injuries was one of the more recent attacks that the Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility for. They later recanted that claim though saying it was the work of one of their allies to show them support and unity. However, the very fact that these types of atrocities can happen and that there are several terrorist groups who can or want to claim responsibility for them is quite terrifying and is something that should make us pause and reevaluate how we respond.

Quite frankly, we aren’t that far from the war on terrorism in the Philippines. While we all vividly recall the tragedy of 9/11 every year and show support to our US allies who lost loved ones in the towers, we all know that the US is not alone in their struggle to end terrorism. Every country around the world is involved in their own battle and here in the Philippines the threat is already on our very shores and has been for quite some time. In fact, just recently we’ve already been seeing reports that the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) or ISIL has reached the Philippines as well.

ISIS just added another horrible layer to an already terrible global terrorist situation. Since they declared themselves a worldwide caliphate in 2014 they have been responsible for a host of horrifying beheadings, bombings, shootings, and the destruction of cultural heritage sites. They have been designated as a global terrorist organization by the United Nations and EU and are being held accountable for human rights abuses and war crimes. Amnesty International has charged the group with ethnic cleansing on a “historic scale” in Northern Iraq. The group is known for being Internet and social media savvy and quickly spreads their message online using the Internet for their own gains. They even harness social media as a key recruitment tool for their cause, enabling them to recruit extremists from all over the world with a click of a button.

And now they are here in the Philippines partnering with an already frightening Abu Sayyaf. ISIS is truly like a global villain in comic books acting like an octopus and spreading its tentacles around the world. They are, in fact, much like Marvel villains Hydra, infiltrating, amassing power, and collecting recruits and allies. It’s terrifying to think what the Abu Sayyaf and ISIS (ISIL) can do together if they combine their resources. And I think it’s definitely important to step up security measures to help protect our people and the country.

Since the Davao bombing tragedy, there has been so much noise about other bombings to follow suit. I received messages online and via SMS as am I sure many of us did about intelligence on bombings in major cities or in popular shopping malls. I suppose the point was to spread fear and terror – which is the actual modus operandi of groups such as these. As much as we try to not let them win it is frightening to think that no place is really and truly safe right now.

The President has shared his anger towards the Abu Sayyaf recently as well, going so far as to say he would “eat them alive.” The Davao bombing was personal to him and whether or not they were responsible it just serves as a strong reminder that something has to be done about them and soon. Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar announced that government forces will be added near the Sulu West Sea to heighten maritime security against the Abu Sayyaf. In fact piracy and maritime security was one of the topics discussed at length by President Duterte and President Joko Widodo during the former’s state visit last Sept. 9. Both leaders agree that is important that something be done to help protect our waters.

In fact, there were reports of three Malaysians kidnapped off their trawler in Sabah over the weekend. While there is no solid evidence yet to prove that the Abu Sayyaf were involved, the Philippines has promised Malaysia that we will be on alert for their missing nationals. It is important, after all, for all of us to work together to combat the terrorism threat if we really want to make headway in the battle. There is no one perfect solution and every one has to do their part.

I think a more aggressive stand against the Abu Sayyaf is a step in the right direction. We just have to be sure to protect our people and troops as best as we possibly can but in the end recognize that these terrorist groups really seem to only respond to strength and force. Discussions and beating around the bush won’t make a difference. Time has already proven that. A hardline stance and a strong hand seem like more of a solution that might possibly make a difference.