August 27, 2012, The Philippine Star, Letter, ASG strikes again, by Joey B. Aznar, Cebu City

August 27, 2012, The Philippine Star, Letter, ASG strikes again, by Joey B. Aznar, Cebu City

The recent happenings in Basilan make for lawlessness to rise again in the place. A series of unfortunate incidents starting with the bombing last week, killing a policeman, a teenager and murder of an election officer. These incidents I’m sure has alarmed Basilan residents and the rest of the nation. It is possible that the prevailing situation may spill out to neighboring provinces if left unchecked.

The Abu Sayyaf Group is believed to be responsible for these series of killings or in cahoots with other criminal elements. But just the same, these groups should be apprehended soon and pay for their crimes.

The ASG has not only become oppressive and brutal but trigger-happy individuals as they have shown the past weeks. ASG violence has already claimed the lives of many of our people, soldiers and policemen and other victims of their undoing.

We hope that these string of violent acts will end so that Basilan could go back to its feet. The presence of the ASG is a deterrent to sustaining community development in the area.

Meanwhile, we Cebuanos can only pray for the safety of the people in Basilan and condemn the violent acts of the Abu Sayyaf.