Battling the evil militants

DURING the advent of the Yuletide season last year, an attempt by an operative of Jemaah Islamiyah to sow terror in Davao City was foiled by what could be considered an impressive intelligence job.

The suspect, an Islamic militant with Malaysian roots, checked in at a budget hotel downtown with a Filipina wife described to be “balik-Islam.” The two had plotted to plant an improvised explosive device. They were obviously fitting the delicate parts of the IED, which consisted of a bomb and timing device, when they were advised by the front desk to checkout of the hotel.

By all indication, they hurriedly packed the unfinished IED in a bag and walked out but were intercepted by responding policemen in the hotel lobby.

The suspects resisted arrest. In the struggle, the woman was collared while the man grabbed the bag and sprinted out of the hotel threatening to trigger the bomb if the authorities attempt to approach him. The chase ensued, in the end, the militant was cornered and was neutralized.

The female companion is now facing a criminal case in court.

Elsewhere in the country and most specifically in the conflict areas in Mindanao and environs, the terrorist elements continue to threaten the people who live in peace. In all of these incidents involving IED, Islamic militants are involved. These despicable crimes and atrocities have caused unnecessary discrimination against innocent Bangsamoro people who have nothing at all to do with the evil agenda of Islamic militants. This is an ugly reality which can only be totally erased if terrorist elements will totally be eradicated.

Discrimination is unacceptable. Whatever engenders discrimination and divisiveness should therefore be nipped in the bud.

We are living in an environment where religious and cultural diversities prevail in a healthy atmosphere. Islamic militants have no place in this environment. To eradicate them, however, is not solely the responsibility of one but the duty of all -- Christians, Bangsamoro and Lumads alike.