Juramentados & terrorists

Last weekend, Associated Press reported the kidnapping of six Filipino workers off a merchant ship then heading towards the oil port at Warri by Nigerian militants. The unfortunate incident happened a few days after the successful anti-terrorism campaign under Gen. Esperon’s command, that led to the death of senior Abu Sayyaf commander, Abu Sulaiman. What we want to emphasize is good news. Another positive report confirms the death last year of Khadaffy Janjalani, leader of the militant separatist group Abu Sayyaf.

The case of the kidnapped Filipino workers was a case of them "being in the wrong place at the wrong time", and they happened to be the only group of non-Nigerians chanced upon by the militants. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) confirmed they are responsible for the kidnapping. They demand the release of 2 former government officials who are leaders of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Front. These conflicts are believed to have culminated from unrest and strife over the state’s refusal to share control with the locals over the oil production revenues. The people affected have resorted to kidnapping to exert pressure on the national government to give them some autonomy. Ransom is collected to fund their militant activities.

Commentaries are one in saying, "The poverty level in the Niger Delta is the worst anywhere in the continent of Africa". This is a paradox, considering that their area’s production contribute tens of billions of dollars in oil revenue every year. It is the largest oil producer in Africa and the sixth largest exporter in the world with a daily output of 2.5 million barrels. The local communities are up in arms over being deprived of economic benefits from the rich revenues generated from the black gold they produce.

Before the war, terrorists were also called juramentados. The word juramentado, meaning "one who has taken an oath", was first employed by General Malcampo during the final occupation of Jolo in 1876. The practice of "running juramentado" was a religious rite involving the waging of a jihad, or Holy War, upon infidels. Originally, the practice was conducted by a band of men determined to sacrifice their lives in accomplishing the death of Christians. In the later years of the Spanish conquest, single individuals howled through the streets of Jolo, leaving death in their wake. At present, there are suicide bombers who go to crowded places and explode a bomb, killing many people, including himself.

In fairness to Muslims, there are other groups of terrorists who sow fear in many parts of the world, claiming to promote a cause and advocate for "justice". Religious wars are on the rise. Many are caused by poverty, abuse and lack of access to basic human necessities. But some rise out of pride, covetousness and rivalry result to anger and violence. There are always innocent victims who suffer for their selfish deeds. We can only condole and pray for them.

If only everyone will seek peace and justice, and learn to look after those in need, then our global village will be a better world to live in.