Even more dangerous

According to the SITE Intelligence Group which monitors the activities of militants around the world, ISIS issued a statement owning up to the two deadly explosions in a Catholic church. They claim that those were suicide bombings.

The authorities have not yet confirmed whether ISIS was indeed behind the bombings. In the meantime, the AFP suspects that the Abu Sayyaf (ASG) perpetrated the crimes, when CCTV footage revealed the brother of a slain ASG leader within the perimeter of the church. They still cannot ascertain whether it was a suicide bombing, or one triggered by cellphones.

The investigations continue. According to experts on the region, if suicide bombers were truly behind the bombings, then it is highly possible that ISIS already has a strong influence on the ASG. DND Secretary Lorenzana is adamant that this was a terrorist act, and not a means to instigate a religious war. Nevertheless, innocent people were killed. Justice must be served.

Many countries condemned the bombing of the church, as well as the MILF which is leading peace talks and pushing for autonomy of Mindanao. Even the Pope condemned the bombing of a church that was celebrating Mass. The bombings are also a clear challenge to the administration and the AFP, since Mindanao is still under martial law which was even extended until the end of the year.

Many are questioning if martial law is effective, if terrorists can still bomb a church. The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) just underwent a plebiscite, many Mindanaoans expect it to bring peace and order to the region. Seems nothing has really changed. The analysts also do not believe that militant groups like ASG and ISIS will stop their violence and criminal activities, just because the BOL has been passed.

The ASG has been the bane of the country for decades. The Palace has expressed strong words against those behind the crime. President Duterte has ordered an all-out-war on the terrorists, and to neutralize them at all costs. Strong words indeed. But the ASG has survived similar threats in the past, and they are still able to wreak havoc in Mindanao.

If they have paired with ISIS, which seems to be setting up a stronghold in Asia after being defeated in the Middle East, then the ASG has just become even more dangerous, as evidenced by the bombings. All the more reason for Duterte to make good on his order to “crush them by whatever means.”