Abu Sayyaf kids going to battle against illiteracy, terrorism

MANILA, Philippines – Children of suspected mem-bers and sympa-thizers of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) will go into battle this summer and hopefully win the war against terrorism and rebellion borne out of poverty, neglect and illiteracy.

A Christian-Muslim couple who had put up a library in a kidnap-prone barangay in Zamboanga City said they hope the kids will pick up books, coloring pens, and clay and even tinker with the computer.

“Hopefully, the guns of their fathers and brothers will be silent this summer. We will do everything to show these kids that indeed, there are better ways of earning a living than through the barrel of a gun,” said Annora Sahi Nocum, a Muslim entrepreneur.

Nocum opened earlier this month the first Kristiyano-Islam (Kris) Peace Library in Manicahan, a barangay just over a mile away from Sacol Island where three teachers were kidnapped recently.

“In our library, we will be giving away books, toys, notebooks, coloring pens and candies to entice kids to make it a habit to visit the library regularly this summer. We will do everything to make them realize that books are their friends and their hope for a better life,’’ said Annora, who is married to former reporter Armand Nocum, a Christian.

Annora said they will also hold computer literacy programs, book-reading sessions and livelihood seminars for Christian and Muslim kids, most of whom have never used a computer in their lives.

The mixed-religion couple launched the A-Book-Saya Group (ABSG) book-donation project in order to encourage people in Manila to help out their Muslim brothers and sisters down south.

So far, many organiza-tions and individuals have responded to their call by giving books, computers, educational materials and financial contributions. The donors include former Sen. Jovito Salonga, Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Quota International of Manila, TAO Corp. president Julio Sy Sr., the late DPWH Undersecretary Jocelyn Ramon Aquino, Singaporean Simon Wong and Negros Oriental Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichiong.

Annora says more books are needed and can be dropped off at Satti Grill House in SM-Fairview Food Court. Donors may call 0919-5897879 or check out their blog at www.sattisfaction.blogspot.com.