What about terrorism in Mindanao?

It’s been a week since the public was bombarded with news on the alleged murder of Kian Loyd delos Santos by police forces. To date, a humongous number of people have already reacted to the situation: journalists, politicians, concerned citizens, obnoxious trolls and netizens, religious groups, activists, Left-leaning congressmen and organizations—name it.

Yes, I would have to agree that Kian’s alleged murder by police forces is deplorable, distressing, and shocking. However, I think there are also
other issues that equally deserve public knowledge, scrutiny, and exposure.

On Aug. 21, the Abu Sayyaf rioted over a quiet and peaceful village in Zamboanga City, which resulted in the killing of nine unsuspecting villagers who were preparing for their coming fiesta. The Abu Sayyaf killed and mutilated one man, and wounded two minors (one is a 10-year-old youngster while the other is 9 years old), among others.

While the Abu Sayyaf has long been terrorizing Filipinos and destroying public and private properties, its sudden and sporadic scourge raises great suspicion. The possibility that the Abu Sayyaf stage such attacks in order to shift media, as well as military and security forces’ focus from Marawi, deserves attention and consideration.

If we, Filipinos, much more our politicians and other government officials, are bothered and outraged by Kian’s alleged murder, with more reason that we should all be more concerned and appalled by the ongoing terrorist attacks, which are becoming more periodic and larger in scale.

Again, let us be reminded that the Maute group started by bombing a specific area in Davao City in late 2016. The next thing we know, they already joined forces with the Abu Sayyaf, got hold of Marawi, plundered said city into ruins, and have been causing a number of casualties among government troops. I believe the Abu Sayyaf attacks are giving us a premonition, something that we should now be heeding,
given the insidious ways of this terrorist group and our recent experiences in Marawi.

Yes, Kian’s case deserves empathy and attention. But how about our terrorized and violated brothers and sisters in Mindanao? Should they be left out?

MEYNARD DASIG,
[email protected]