We must protect our global village

The September 11 tragic bombing of the New York World Trade Center seven years ago which led to massive infrastructure damage and carnage has made terrorism a global threat. I recall “terrorist” movements in the ’60s and early ’70s such as the notorious Palestine Liberation Organization, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Zionist movement, which had very specific targets that put pressure on certain groups to grant their demands for national interests. But 911 set a precedent and a benchmark for terrorist movements that are now international in both scope and level of threat.

Terrorism is getting worse. It now commonly involves a network of nationalities scheming for a massive attack that could be perpetuated at an undetermined place and time. I would say that the terrorists have become more creative and ingenuous with the employment of people networks aided by sophisticated communication devices to facilitate a fool-proof attack. Their objective is to sow as much damage and death as possible.

In the Philippines, even before the war, there were juramentados. This was my early concept of terrorists. Juramentado, in Philippine history, is an archaic term derived from the Spanish word juramentar, meaning one who takes an oath. A Moro would attack and kill Christian police and soldiers, with the religious belief that, as he is killed in the process, he earns the favor of Allah. At present, there are suicide bombers who go to crowded places and explode a bomb, killing many people, including himself. Now there are even female suicide bombers.

We now face terrorist threats from the major Muslim groups, most dreaded of which are the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf Group and the old New People’s Army. These are on the terrorist list of the European Union and the US government. Up to now, war goes on in Mindanao as the military flushes out rebel leaders who burned villages, terrorized and killed villagers. There is no end in sight. These are long-term conflicts characteristic of terrorists.

In fairness to Muslims, there are other groups of terrorists who sow fear in many parts of the world, claiming to promote a cause and advocate for “justice.” Religious and political wars are on the rise. Many are caused by poverty, abuse and lack of access to basic human necessities. But some rise out of pride, covetousness and rivalry resulting to anger and violence. There are always innocent victims who suffer for their selfish deeds.

As we remember a tragic event in history, we must remember and pray for its victims. Every nation in the global village must be vigilant to fight the evils of international terrorism. All governments must protect its innocent and peace-loving people and make sure that the global village maintains peace and order.