Editorial

Stopping terror, pursuing peace remain: Top agenda

Words of sympathy are not enough to condole the bereaved families of those who perished in the twin blasts at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu last February 27 as the faithful heard mass that ill-fated day. The nation and international community joined in mourning as statements of condemnation poured against the perpetrators, whom authorities identifywith the local terror group. Even Pope Francis said the bombing was an act of terror as he prayed for the evil doers to change ways toward respect to life. The attack on the cathedral was not the first.

        The tragic event came after the people in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, including Cotabato City, have ratified the Bangsamoro Organic Law that will establish a more powerful and functional Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, replacing the ARMM. The twin bombings though are not associated with the BOL but rather motivated by evil ends so as to spoil the peace and security of the region, so authorities surmise.

        Experts and analysts say it would be a real challenge for the new Bangsamoro regional government to put an end on terrorism and secure the populace from harm and to further advance economic investments for geographical development. It has to persuade the splinter and other radical/extremist groups to lay down their arms and heed to the call for peace and oneness as a people. It has to contain the terror groups from pursuing secessionisticor belligerent paradigm… for after all, the BOL is born for the sake of peace. After decades of fighting, both the Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front have leaned on political solution to end conflict… but some comrades splintered into groups defying the new order or peace deal.

        Indeed, the quest for peace and political-economic stability in our region remain a challenge. This is so in other lands beset by terrorism and twisted paradigm of change. Our government has yet to deal with insurgency in other regions --- the communist movement. Pursuing peace is top agenda… this is our continuing agenda --- for you and for me.

        The MILF-led BARMM is now faced with this challenge. We likewise share this challenge since public support is a matter of necessity for positive change and regional growth.