The recent deaths of Omarkhayyam Maute and Isnilon Hapilon are considered by many as symbolic of the beginning of the end of the Marawi crisis since these two are the key leaders of the siege. But to me, there are more things this recent development
show and represent.
First, the death, or as military jargon calls it, “neutralization” of Maute and Hapilon amid the war in Marawi is clear proof that success can be achieved fully when the three branches of our government work together despite separation of powers. We may recall — notwithstanding the opposition of some lawmakers, politicians, and civil society organizations on President Duterte’s proclamation of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao — we saw how the legislature and judiciary looked beyond the situation in order to allow our Chief Executive to exercise one of his constitutionally enshrined powers to address the crisis.
Second, these deaths only show how unified effort, maximization of resources, endurance, and dedication can be greater than advanced weaponry. Sadly, our military has been touted by many, especially foreign defense analysts, as among the “worst” in the world. Despite the observation (which later turned out as a criticism) that the Maute group has better weapons than our government forces, the military optimized the use of its available resources — especially those given by our foreign allies—in order to intensify its operations to finally put an end to this five-month long strife.
Finally, if there’s one thing that these terrorists’ deaths imply, it would most likely be the call for a more unified Filipino nation. The Maute group’s terrorism in Marawi is more than just violence and destruction. It is an assault to our inherent human right to a peaceful and secured country. As the Marawi crisis approaches its end, let us all be reminded and learn that terrorism is not just the government’s business — it’s our business, too. And that no matter how we modernize our military or pass measures that will prevent the influx of terrorists in our country, if we would also do our part, even the most sophisticated antiterrorism framework shall falter and fall.
Indeed, the deaths of Omarkhayyam Maute and Isnilon Hapilon should be our first and last wake-up call.
CHARITA R. TINGGA, crtingga@outlook.com