September 25, 2002, The Philippine Star, Editorial, Abu Sayyaf on the rebound,

September 25, 2002, The Philippine Star, Editorial, Abu Sayyaf on the rebound,

It's easy to see why many Filipinos welcome the presence of American soldiers in the Philippines. Less than two months have passed since US soldiers ended the "Balikatan" war exercises with Philippine troops in Basilan, where Abu Sayyaf guerrillas served as live targets. During the six-month war games the guerrillas failed to launch any major attack on the island, and even the faction in nearby Sulu kept a low profile. Before the war exercises ended, flamboyant Abu Sayyaf spokesman Aldam Tilao, alias Abu Sabaya, was shot in a sea encounter with pursuing Philippine troops, reportedly with assistance from the Americans. The two governments insist Sabaya is dead. 

Within a month after the Americans left, the Abu Sayyaf, reportedly under the leadership of some guerrillas who had fled Basilan, resumed kidnapping in Sulu. Two male victims were beheaded; four women remain in captivity. Yesterday military and police forces went on alert in Basilan amid reports that the Abu Sayyaf was threatening to kidnap teachers and students in retaliation for an ongoing military offensive to wipe out the remnants of the terrorist group. The threat was passed on to authorities by Basilan Gov. Wahab Akbar. 

It would not be the first time that the Abu Sayyaf would target students and teachers. Schools are easy prey for the gunmen, and the teachers and students serve as perfect human shields for fleeing guerrillas. A few years ago the terrorists waylaid a group of teachers in Basilan, freeing the Muslims and executing the 15 Christians. The terrorists have decapitated male victims and lopped off the breasts of women teachers. 

Now the terrorists are back, just two months after they were driven away from strife-torn Basilan. The military has a self-imposed deadline of six months to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf threat. That deadline must be met, before the Abu Sayyaf problem gets out of hand again. This was what Basilan residents had feared all along – that the terrorists would return as soon as the Americans were gone. Our troops must reassure the residents that there is no basis for their fears.