Imperiled

No question about it: a shadowy alliance of terrorist factions in Mindanao imperils the Republic. These terrorist groups share the common feature of allegiance to the ISIS network. They intend to use Mindanao as a new front for their jihad.

Fighting is still in progress nine days after fighters of this alliance entered Marawi in force. What used to be a proud and prosperous city transformed into a ghost town, its population displaced and its infrastructure in ruins.

Last week, the military spokesman on the ground sounded supremely confident. This matter will be settled in two or three days, he said, while estimating the enemy force to be composed of 30 or 40 men.

It has been nine harrowing days since the fighting began. The latest reports indicate the terrorists are entrenched at the city center, controlling two of the city’s three bridges with sniper fire. Over 80 terrorists are reported dead. Probably more than 60 are still battling the most tested units of the AFP and the PNP. A Special Action Force armored personnel carrier was captured by the jihadist fighters.

Meanwhile, a group of about 30 armed men opened fire at a military camp in Zamboanga. They were repelled only after air strikes were called on their positions. Although reports are still sketchy, this seems a diversionary action away from the main Marawi battle zone.

The Zamboanga incident could be a foretaste of more diversionary actions to come. If attacks become more widespread, that should settle the debate with those arguing that martial law be confined to the City of Marawi rather than across all of Mindanao. Martial law powers proved useful in locking down Iligan, preventing the terrorists from spreading the contagion.

There are reports that the terrorist force that entered Marawi included foreign jihadists from Malaysia, Indonesia and probably the Middle East. While these reports have yet to be confirmed, they encouraged the Solicitor General, among others, to take a leap in logic, claiming an “invasion” was in progress.

To be sure, our security officials seriously underestimated the threat posed by what was earlier dismissed simply as the “Maute group.” The enemy force in Marawi now appears seriously competent, adequately armed and with more than rudimentary training. They engaged the best units thrown at them – the Marines, the Rangers and the SAF – and still hold some ground.

Journalists covering the fighting on the ground wonder aloud where the terrorists are getting all the ammunition they expend on advancing government forces. After nine days of heavy fighting, they show few signs of running short of bullets.

Military commanders on the ground explain the tenacity of the terrorist force as evidence that their leader, Isnilon Hapilon, remains within the city. Hapilon, a Tausug, appears to have sought sanctuary in Maranao areas both to recuperate from his injuries as well as weave a functioning alliance among several factions who have pledged allegiance to ISIS. The assault on Marawi could not have been possible without such a functioning alliance.

It is also possible that the strong move on Marawi was inspired by some expectation the ISIS factions could realign the jigsaw puzzle of armed factions in the area and get more fighting men committing to their cause. They could have imagined holding on to Marawi and making the city the equivalent of Mosul: a mecca for jihadists from all over Southeast Asia to gather in. It will be the seat of the imaginary caliphate’s newest province.

This is a security specter needing to be quashed at the soonest.

The military spokesman on the ground, after being proved wrong on the claim all three bridges have been recovered, now says only 10% of the city remains under terrorist control. But that 10%, it appears, is the center of a sprawling city, a built up area ideal for snipers and a nightmare for the troops sent to recover.

We take the military’s word when they say they have sealed all possible exits for the militants. As Sun Tzu pointed out, however, a force with no route to escape will tend to fight to the last man. In which case, we are in for many more days of a grinding and murderous battle.

Fortunately, as we watch horrified at the calamity unfolding in Marawi, we do not have to endure the inanity of politicians grandstanding while an emergency persists. Both chambers of Congress have supported the martial law measure, imperfect as it may be. That takes away the soapbox from those who wish to grandstand.

It is easy to understand why opposition politicians from both chambers want a joint session to deliberate the necessity for martial rule. All the points they raise, including the immediate lifting of martial law, appear exercises in hair-splitting given the vivid news from the front.

There is nothing fake in the assault on Marawi. It is as real as it gets. The threat posed by extremists has been discussed extensively by security experts. The President responded with shock and awe. He is well within his authority to do so: call out our best fighting units, curtail the movement of possible terrorists with blockades and checkpoints, detain without recourse those suspected to be involved.

Nor are we being treated to acoustic warfare in Marawi. Scores of soldiers and policemen were killed or wounded in the fighting. They put their lives on the line for the Republic. The most patriotic thing to do now is to support our troops and bring relief to the tens of thousands of displaced civilians.