We are all riveted, and malevolent elements are out to exploit this. Reports said communist leaders, living up to their terrorist tag, have ordered the New People’s Army to intensify their attacks. A few days back suspected members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front bombed a water re-servoir in Kidapawan, North Cotabato, cutting off water supply to at least 70 percent of the city. Authorities believe that in some areas of the country, the NPA and MILF – one supposedly fueled by a godless ideology and the other waging war in the name of faith – have forged a tactical alliance against the government.
As recent attacks have shown, the bombings, hijackings, robbery and extortion perpetrated by the NPA and MILF victimize not only government forces but also civilians. Both groups are also exploiting public opposition to the war in Iraq as an excuse to intensify their attacks, and not just against US interests in the Philippines.
Long before the war in Iraq, the MILF and its smaller but more vicious cousin, the Abu Sayyaf, have already been linked to Islamist groups ope-rating in Southeast Asia, and even directly to Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda network. It is not farfetched to suspect that Islamists will launch sympathy strikes around the world as 1,500 missiles and bombs rain on Baghdad. Obviously such sympathy strikes are likely not just in the countries forming the so-called coalition of the willing, but also in countries such as the Philippines whose governments have expressed support for the war.
"Operation: Iraqi Freedom" may soon be over, but the global war on terror will continue, requiring eternal vigilance. Even as Filipinos are shocked and awed by the air strikes in Baghdad, unable to take their eyes off their TV sets, government forces must not let down their guard.