Death throes?

The US Embassy issued a warning to its citizens in the country regarding a plot by terrorists to bomb several targets in Metro Manila. The warning was issued after police arrested by chance three men on a motorcycle but without the necessary helmets. One of them is a member of the Rajah Solaiman Movement and was a suspect in the bombing of an airport in Maguindanao in 2003. Police discovered fake identities, and a grenade. Still, the PNP maintains that there is no terror threat despite the arrest of the three which they say was "for a simple violation of the law." How having a grenade is considered simple is quite perplexing.

You really cannot blame the US for issuing the warning. Terrorists have once again become active, with the emergence of ISIS. At present, the US is on a limited bombing campaign against known ISIS targets, in the hope of neutralizing the growing Islamic terrorist group. Support for the said campaign is also being sought for, as the fight against terrorism must be a worldwide concern. There are reports that even Filipinos are being recruited, or have actually joined ISIS and pledged allegiance to their cause. We are all aware how something like this is highly infectious among radical Muslims, which the country has no shortage of.

It would be unthinkable if indeed a plot to bomb several targets in Metro Manila would push through. The country is enjoying an economy it has never achieved in past administrations. A terror campaign would set us back once more, not to mention interest veering away from several important issues regarding unbridled corruption. The arrest of the three with known terrorist ties must set off an alarm to all of us. There are still rebel groups operating in the country, no matter how diminished or depleted their numbers and resources may be. It only takes one fanatic to wreak havoc.

The PNP and AFP would do well to completely neutralize these threats, no matter how benign they may be. The old saying that a wounded animal is most dangerous holds true for these terrorists. The government and the MILF are on track in achieving lasting peace in Mindanao, paving the way for development in a region with so much potential. There are those who feel left out, ignored, irrelevant. These terror plots may be the death throes of their organization, in an effort to stay alive and relevant. A terror campaign would definitely play into their plans very well, what with the holiday season fast approaching, and elections less than two years away. [email protected]