First of all, we must admit that the problem of terrorism is a recent phenomenon of our times. We went through the Japanese occupation and even then we had no terrorist problem. Its worst aspect is that it is not just a local problem. We have to deal with both local and international terrorists and very often they are in cahoots with each other.
What makes it difficult to deal with terrorists is that they are senseless criminals. Ordinary criminals commit crimes for personal gain. But terrorists kill innocent people and destroy property not for any personal gain but just to sow fear. They do not even care to own the crimes they commit. Their only desire is to spread fear and terror. That is why the police and the army require special training to deal with terrorists.
Under Makati’s Sanggunian Panlungsod ordinance, the city will train private security guards in deterring criminal and terrorist acts by training them on how to respond to emergencies. Right now, the 17,000 strong National Capital Regional Police Office is on full alert because several transport groups plan a transport strike to protest the recent oil price increase. The danger is not from the strikers but from individual or group of terrorists who will take advantage of the strike in order to kill innocent people and thus sow fear and terror in our law-abiding community.
We congratulate Makati mayor Jejomar Binay for setting the example of what steps all of Metro Manila should take in dealing with terrorists. The first step, of course, is to know the enemy. They are not rational people. They themselves stand to gain nothing from the crime they commit. That is why they demand special treatment.
We are very lucky – thanks to the alertness of our National Police and our Armed Forces – we went through the Lenten period without any senseless bombing attacks. And we are thankful that this freedom from terrorists extended up to the Pope’s funeral. The problem now is not to take peace for granted, but to be on greater alert.
To successfully and totally eliminate the terrorist problem, two things must be required. First, is full alertness on the part of our law-enforcement agents and the general public to prevent planned attacks. Second, good police intelligence so that they can identify, arrest, prosecute and convict terrorists even before they can initiate their attack plans. So the ultimate solution is efficient police intelligence operations. So far, we must admit that they have been doing a very good job.