Failure in intelligence seen in Basilan massacre

Demoralization has indeed set in among the ranks, and quite understandably so. Several sources revealed that most soldiers are dismayed with the decision of the political leadership. However, some junior officers whom I was able to share lunch with, have a different perspective: they agree with the decision of the President not to declare war. For one, it is foolhardy for the AFP to attack now since the enemy expects such a retaliatory move and two, war would inevitably worsen the situation.


Come to think of it, this is the second time that soldiers were massacred in that area. It is not that there was a lapse in communicating their presence with MILF and warlords in that place--it is utter stupidity for someone to order an amphibious attack against a well-prepared enemy. The AFP should have known better since several years ago, a group of Marines were killed and beheaded by the enemy in that same place. 


That supposed dawn operation should not have taken place. It was the responsibility of the ground commander to assess the situation first on the ground, before any order of attack. Why would you order such a mission, knowing fully well that you're entering an enemy territory. It is always presumed that an enemy territory has more firepower and enjoys a tactical advantage. Why would you order a group of specialists to go there in the area in surreptitious mode, knowing that such an action would merit a disastrous retaliation?


These groups in Basilan are territorial. They are always on the lookout for strangers or what they term as mushrikuns in their area. It is already common knowledge that outsiders are killed or executed not just in Basilan but also in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu. When I covered Sulu a decade ago, Tagalog-speaking soldiers and policemen are mowed down even by the common people when they enter markets to buy food. 


Good intelligence is the best means of avoiding such disasters. And of course, common sense.