EDITORIAL – Spare the non-combatants

With so many civilians dead, no one will take responsibility for the terrorist attacks the other day in Zamboanga and Cotabato. The military said the bombings of the airport in Cotabato City and a market in North Cotabato as well as the raid on a remote farming village in Zamboanga del Norte bore the imprint of the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front. It was the MILF’s attempt at a show of strength following its latest defeat that included the loss of its stronghold in Buliok and the death of up to 160 guerrillas, the military said.

The MILF immediately denied involvement in the attacks, which killed at least 14 villagers in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte. MILF commanders would only say that some groups could be trying to take advantage of recent developments. The separatists did not elaborate. The MILF, however, has a record of denying responsibility for bombings and other acts of terrorism. It also has a record of disowning its members who are caught engaged in terrorism and banditry, dismissing them as "lost command" brigands.

Whoever was responsible for the attacks, bombings continued yesterday. In North Cotabato, lights went out in Carmen town after a blast des-troyed a power pylon. Another explosive was found in a nearby transmission tower but the bomb was defused. In South Cotabato, two bombs went off in front of a mall in Koronadal. A woman, a bus conductor and another man were injured.

The attacks came as President Arroyo approved a draft peace agreement with the MILF and Malaysia reportedly offered to host the next round of peace negotiations with the separatists. MILF attacks usually intensify shortly before the resumption of peace talks. It is only to be expected that even rebels defeated in battle would want to negotiate from a position of strength. In attempting to make a show of force, however, guerrillas who sincerely want peace should spare non-combatants.