On the Sulu Question, Part 2

After the controversial death of ASG leader Khadaffy Janjalani, Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the AFP to step up more attacks and obliterate the ASG from the face of the earth. It was in 2005 when she said that. Now, sixty soldiers dead and many more sent to dangerous missions there, the Abu Sayyaf Group continues to terrorize the Tausugs and even inspired young Muslims there to take up arms for an unworthy cause.

The ASG continues to remain a menace and a disgrace to the Bangsamoro struggle for independence.

No amount of pride and braggadocio can defeat this group of reckless thugs. Arroyo should be counseled by her numerous advisers not to shoot herself in the mouth again. Despite her vaunted influence over military generals, groups such as the ASG continues to humiliate her before the eyes of the world.

Arroyo remains the weakest link in the regional fight against terrorism. In fact, Arroyo is the best recruiter of destabilizers and terrorists due to her weak leadership, both in the economic and political fronts.

With poverty slowly engulfing most of Mindanao, the prospect of an outbreak of war and violence remains a strong possibility. As I've said in previous posts, regional terrorists could exploit this. A resumption of hostilities between Bangsamoros and Philippine security agencies in Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and other impoverished provinces in Mindanao could break the tenuous peace in that part of the Asia-Pacific region.

There's a very strong possibility that Mindanao could turn into the region's security flashpoint. The JI is just waiting to exploit this. A war could offset efforts towards Mindanao peace and development.

Worst, terror groups are starting to indoctrinate and exploit the young minds of Tausugs in the area. Paupers both in body and soul, these are potential insurgents being trained for more kidnappings, more assassinations and worst, more bombings.

I call upon the US State Department to intervene and assist the Philippine government in resolving this potential crisis. Let's prevent this from spilling over the rest of the country.