Kowtowing to terrorists

The only positive use that we can have for any terrorist is to make example of how we rigidly implement our laws on terrorism. Going by recent reports, the complete opposite is what is happening. Nur Misuari is now being detained in Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, a jail that was originally constructed for no less a personage than the impeached president of the Republic of the Philippines. And, again according to reports, Misuari has been assigned a special cook from Marawi to cook his favorite Mindanao dishes. His first request was for a live chicken to be cooked in a dish called halal in the name of Allah. He has also asked permission that he be allowed to jog (under police escort we assume) outside his cell. It cannot be denied that the authorities are treating Misuari much, much better than his innocent Christian victims.

The main purpose of terrorism is to instil and manipulate fear. Next is to get a maximum amount of favorable publicity. It is no exaggeration to say that he is being treated, not as a criminal who instigated a rebellion, but like a former head of state. Definitely, something is wrong somewhere. We should be handling him the way that Americans would handle bin Laden if the time comes that bin Laden is captured alive, and that is by giving him a fair and speedy trial.

When the Abu Sayyaf kidnapped their first American victim, they wanted to negotiate for his ransom directly with Washington. The US informed them that their policy is to never pay ransom for kidnapped hostages. A very sound policy for if the Americans had paid the demanded ransom, countless more Americans would have been ransomed immediately after.

Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan, spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, announced that there is a possibility that fanatic Misuari followers would create trouble. But he assured the public that their movements were being monitored.

The only way to deal with terrorists is by giving them a dose of their own medicine. Look at bin Laden. His latest public appearance clearly shows how he has aged ever since the United States launched its war against terrorists.

What terrorists fear most is law and justice. That is what Nur Misuari should be made to start facing–law and justice.

You can’t treat terrorists with kid gloves. You have to use a mailed fist. Even prisoners have certain rights. But no prisoner should be given rights and privileges that are not accorded to other prisoners. Even Supreme Court justices, senators and cabinet members are not assigned special cooks. Why was Misuari given that privilege?