Better to be vigilant vs terrorists than to be blaming authorities

The recent attack on the US Embassy in Libya last Sept. 13 could have been part of terrorists’ plans to provoke violence in countries known to be allies of the United States. The attack was triggered by a crudely produced movie portraying Prophet Mohammad as a fool, a womanizer and a homosexual. This the Muslim world vehemently resented and condemned. And the attack in Libya was instantly followed by similar attacks on US embassies in other countries.

Our country is home to the Abu Sayyaf and other terrorist groups with known links to al-Qaida. It will come as no surprise if these groups ride on the Muslim outrage over this controversial film.

It is good that the government responded swiftly to a very real danger, instituting additional measures to secure the US Embassy, with the Coast Guard doubling its patrols on our coastal waters.

For our part, let us stay away from places which could be targets of terrorist attacks. This is not to create panic; this is just a call for vigilance. Better prepared, all of us will feel safer. Terrorists pick no time or place to strike, like what they recently did in Davao City, where they exploded a grenade at a carnival.

Let’s face the inconvenience of body/bag searches in public places and commercial establishments. This is better than blaming afterwards the authorities for falling short on their job.

—JUNE S. CASEJO,

junecasejo@yahoo.com.ph