Facing terrorism

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The Global Terrorism Index Report for 2014 of international think tank Institute for Economics and Peace indicates terrorism has increased significantly in the Philippines between 2012 and 2013 with almost twice as many incidents recorded at 499 and the number of deaths doubling from 122 to 292.

This ranks our country as the 9th most affected by terrorism in 2013. The Philippines slipping from 10th place in 2012 means our efforts to eliminate the threat have been in vain and it joins an embarrassing list that is topped by Afghanistan, followed by Pakistan, Nigeria, Syria, India, Somalia, Yemen and Thailand.

The GTI notes that terrorism in the Philippines is intrinsically tied with nationalist and separatist claims by people living in provinces in Mindanao but it also noted that it is spread across the country. It says 438 cities suffered a terrorist attack in 2013 and that 83 percent of the country’s 81 provinces had at least one terrorist attack.

With the government’s increased focus and spending on long overdue internal defense initiatives such as purchasing firearms for policemen and its firm support to ensure the passage of the landmark Bangsamoro Basic Law that is supposed to bring peace to Mindanao, it is surprising to hear that terrorism has been on the uptrend in the Philippines.

The situation may look bleak but this is one struggle that our government cannot give up on. As we continue to train, prepare, and equip our security forces to deal with the constantly evolving threat of terrorism, we also have to attack the problem of poverty and ignorance that makes recruitment easy for terror groups as well as persevere in crafting roadmaps and solutions to deal with long-standing conflicts in a rational and peaceful manner despite all the roadblocks and opposition from parties that for some reason or another prefer the status quo.*