Enter America’s ground forces

America’s war against the Taliban regime and the A1-Qaeda terrorist network of Osama bin Laden has finally entered a new phase. In a lightning, hit-and-run, guerilla-style assault, done in the dark of night, some 100 United States troopers, riding in giant helicopters, landed in the hidden lairs of the Taliban soldiers, dealing them a mighty psychological and military blow.

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In the meantime, America’s search for the worldwide terrorist network of Osama bin Laden is also being intensified. For instance, right here in the Philippines, US military advisers have just arrived, to coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the local law-enforcement agencies on how to go after and bust the Abu Sayyaf, bin Laden’s Philippine arm. The American advisers, together with their modern military equipment, are expected to make headway, in partnership with the AFP, in smoking out the Abu Sayyaf terrorists from their hiding places in Basilan, Sulu, and other parts of the Philippines.

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It will be recalled that the Abu Sayyaf, in undertaking their kidnap-for-ransom activities, or in committing murder and other heinous crimes, almost always targeted Americans, Europeans and other foreigners. Apparently, the Abu Sayyaf wanted to attract international attention. And in this, they succeeded.

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In the process, our own country, the Philippines, suffered greatly. Tourists and investors shunned away from the Philippines. The economy went on a nosedive. The Philippines became known as the kidnap capital in Asia. The impact of the Abu Sayyaf’s terrorist activities on our economy and our lives was tremendous. Up to now, we are still trying to resurrect our country from the rubble of the Abu Sayyaf assault.

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It will be interesting to find out how America and its military allies, particularly Great Britain, will conduct the other phases of their campaign to demolish the Taliban regime and the A1-Qaeda. Apparently, there was much brainstorming and detailed planning on how to win the war against the terrorists in Afghanistan. And obviously, the planning included the network of Osama bin Laden scattered in various parts of the world.

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We should be worried that the story about the P1-billion shabu seized from a town mayor in Quezon has moved out of the front pages of the newspapers. That drug haul was huge, and the group that bankrolled it must be oozing with money. There is need for the law-enforcement and intelligence agencies to thoroughly investigate the case. And here, media vigilance is a primary factor that can prod the authorities concerned to spare no one and let axe fall on the guilty, no matter how powerful he or they may be.

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Mary "Rosebud" Ong might be able to unravel some clues on who were behind the smuggled shabu. And, of course, Col. Victor Corpus, the head of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, must be a most interested observer of this particular case. An indepth grilling of all the people who were apprehended as they moved the drug shipment, through a government ambulance, to its final destination can lead to interesting leads.

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Who paid for the "show money"? Or was the shipment paid in full? Where did the seized drug come from? Who were the accomplices and partners of Mayor Ronnie Mitra in this drug trafficking? What was supposed to be the final destination of the P1-billion drug shipment? All these questions and more must have conclusive answers, if the government authorities are really sincere about their avowed campaign to go, hammer and tongs, after drug traffickers.

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Elvie Punzalan-Estavillo, businesswoman and civic leader, has this inspiring message to convey to The STAR readers:

Giving is a joy-stimulant that wonderfully works in two ways: it helps the receiver while bringing joy to the giver. Moreover, strange as it may seem, giving produces a therapeutic effect that moors the giver to the ground which, in turn, enables him to find himself.

Giving is not merely confined to doling out money and handing out material things to others. It could also be time, advice, services, thoughts and interests – anything that genuinely flows out of our hearts and given in a spirit of uplifting others – humbly and sincerely.

As a reward, and to encourage more giving and sharing of the riches one has, God, in His magnanimity, has made sure that he who gives the most will have the most of whatever he gives away.

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The Ateneo de Manila University Alumni Homecoming this year is going to feature something new. Honored will not only be the silver jubilarians (25 years), but also the ruby (45 years), golden (50 years) and diamond (60 years) jubilarians. This will be the first time that the honorees will come from four alumni groups. And the homecoming theme for year 2001 is: Men and Women for Others: To Love and Serve in Our World Today.

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According to Fr. Carmelo A. Caluag II and Liborio R. Mangubat Jr., HS ’76 homecoming organizers, the alumni festivities will kick off on 31 October at 8 p.m. at the High School Covered Courts with a Halloween Party. The other festivities up to November 24 include the following:

Nov. 5: Blessing of Prayer Room of the Saints

9: Sports Night to Honor Athletes and Supporters

13: Forum #1 on National Development

15: Mass and Reception for Grade School Jubilarians

16-18: Eagles of Hope Christmas Tiangge

20: Forum #2 on National Development

22: Mass and Reception for High School Jubilarians

24 : Ateneo School of Government First Leaders Sanctuary

24: Recollection for Alumni in Government

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THOUGHTS FOR TODAY:

The loveliest day comes
when you wake up one morning
and discover the romantic truth
that God still colors your world.

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There are times prayer
is the only gift we can give
to the one we care for.
So, I always pray to God
to take good care of you
in all circumstances in life.

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My e-mail address: <[email protected]>