The devil that we keep

MANILA, Philippines - There are tribal wars and feud among clans and there is this protracted struggle for secessionism. These conflicts which could have been mended and resolved through peace talks and negotiations have resulted in many casualties which are indeed unfortunate. Nevertheless that yearning for peaceful resolution is undiminished for despite the misunderstandings and clashes the overwhelming desire of the protagonists is peace.

In most of these confrontations government peacekeeping forces intervened or hostilities are mutually prevented with the mediation.

But we are talking here of a civilized and decent society. Amidst us however are savage elements that had wrecked havoc to what were once serene Muslim, Christian and Lumad communities. They are mostly foreigners, trained in the diabolic craft of terrorism and misrepresenting peace-loving Islamic faith to carry out their plots. We have names for them: Jemaah Islamiyah which is a clone of Al Qaeda. They have found a spawning ground in the vicious kidnap-for-ransom Abu Sayyaf band which has been masquerading as guerillas. These demonic bands however actually knows no religion and do not recognize religious or civil authorities, for in fact, they loathe them.

These foreign intruders do not only sow terror, they too sow animosity between Christians, Lumads and Muslims and discord among tribes and clans. Unfortunately for us, we provided sanctuary to these foreign elements and allowed them to teach not only the technology of improvised explosive devises but preach to us their perverted culture of religious fanaticism which, as we realize now, are all aimed at fertilizing the seed of terror which ultimately became the victims.

For as long as they remained ensconced in the Abu Sayyaf and extremists lairs they will persist to be veritable hindrance to peace in the region. Like the New People’s Army (NPA) who plants landmines to deter and kill enemies and civilians, these terrorist band especially the foreigners among them, will do everything to keep themselves alive and send signals to their sponsors that they are active and surviving. — MIRIAM DAHUNOG, Iligan City