The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters has struck again, this time to blow up a tower of the National Grid Corp. in Sultan Kudarat. Earlier attacks by the BIFF this month include one against a military-media convoy and that in Mamasapano town which injured two civilians. Now, they begin to attack power installations to sow fear and bring the message of destruction. They are becoming fiercer and bolder each time. They are taking revenge on the military and the government for the BIFF members they lost to military operations.
The military operations were justified because the BIFF has been terrorizing many barangays in Maguindanao and disrupting normal activities there. The government couldn’t just let them do their thing because they are already oppressing and abusing the poor residents. It is expected for them to retaliate, but they should not target and turn their ire towards important installations as this will disrupt the normal flow of business and communities in areas affected.
The easiest way is for them to accept that they have committed mistakes against the government and the people, and to amend their ways. They should realize that living with guns will only bring them regret in the end. Most of them are young and should think of a better life ahead.
—ALEJANDRE B. SAMAGOSO,
alejandre.samagoso@yahoo.com