Editorial

Calmness amid threats

Cotabato City is beset and troubled by the December 31, 2018 bombing that killed two and injured scores more outside the main entrance of South Seas mall. More fatalities could have been chronicled if the explosive at the second floor exploded. Our region remains to be haunted by terroristic acts of evil doers which hapless civilians and sectors could only condemn and pray it would never happen again for dear lives.Again, there is constant call to end the vicious cycle of violence in the backdrop of the peace process in Mindanao?

There are those who say the recent bombing  is related to the Bangsamoro Organic Law which advocates would want the city to be a part of the new political entity… Is the link speculative when some see it as a form of harassment or threat when BOL ratification is rejected by city residents? But let democracy work for either a vote for “yes” or “no” and let the fate take its course. But who really is behind the bombing and for what purpose? This is for the intelligence network to decipher. Let not the bombing incident brew into an antagonism between “yes” and “no” persuasions to the BOL.

Also to be verified are reports that some residents have moved to safety following talks or rumors of more violent attacks against the city… but where to go? We need facts and not merely rely on speculations and false news.

Certainly, more security forces have been augmented in the city to thwart any further threat attempts against its population and secure major infrastructures and facilities as well as service centers. Yes,we see military mechanized vehicles roaming the streets and people know what this means.

There is call for sobriety, reminding us not to disseminate false news that circulate by word of mouth and the social media. To stay calm and vigilant matter much at this moment rather  than resort to irrational acts so as not to worsen and complicate the situation.

We rely on the intelligence network so data or information can be deciphered for a well programmed security approach to eliminate the threat scenario. In the meantime, we the populace have to be cooperative with authorities to quell the threat to peace and security. At the outset, we pray for and join the peace movement as a resolution.

Let us imbibe peace in ourselves and radiate this outwardly to our community… so we pray for this.This is our meanest contribution to our society.