The Inabanga wake-up call

Last week terrorist forces gave Inabanga, Bohol, its leaders and people, and all of us too, a grim reminder that everyone and every place is vulnerable to terrorist attacks, violence, crimes, and even death, and that terrorism may erupt at the most unexpected time, and in the most unlikely places. It was a good reminder during the celebration of the Holy Week by the whole Christian world, the entire humanity itself that death may come like a thief in the night, and even in broad daylight. Be it in Israel or in Syria, in Paris or in Russia, in Africa or Afghanistan, terrorism may strike and cause death, destruction, panic grief, and anger. And the worst that can happen to a people and to a place is to be completely unprepared.

It is also a reminder that people must be alert. And that the link between the community and the police forces and military elements must be strong and vigorous. The Inabanga incident also stressed the importance of community leaders, especially the duly-constituted barangay and purok officials. They must train their people how to conduct intelligence information gathering and how they should convey vital information to the authorities at the earliest possible time. Every home must be prepared and the parents should lead the way. Every village must be prepared and the village chief should be at the forefront. Every barangay must be prepared and they must have a direct link to the police and the military.

Whenever unknown elements land at our shores, especially if they are armed and many, most specifically if they wear some sorts of disguise, the police should be informed immediately. The police forces must be prepared and always combat-ready. But since they are usually fewer in number and with less powerful arms and ammunition, they must link with the nearest military detachments. The armed forces units in the vicinity must have ready, fast-moving vehicles both in the land and sea (and in larger units, even air capability). Let us swarm the invading terrorist elements with overwhelming fury and overpowering forces so they will be pulverized with merciless ferocity and flawless speed.

We cannot afford a long-drawn battle from daybreak to twilight. We should avoid encounters at night. Not because we are afraid but mainly due to our concern that innocent and unarmed civilians may be caught in the crossfire. Let us attack with blitzkrieg speed and precision, with a sense of uncompromising determination and urgency. It is now time that villages led by barangay officials should train the people how to behave under a terrorist attack. Let us conduct an anti-terrorist march like we conduct fire drills or earthquake drills. The people, especially the children and the aged, the persons with disabilities, the sick and the infirm must be given the right instruction and all family members must be alert and ready whenever the terrorists come to wreak havoc in communities. What matters most is preparedness. Only the unprepared and the indifferent shall perish whenever disaster strikes.

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