This is the famous line from the James Bond movie “SKYFALL”, a phrase uttered by M, during a Senate Investigation on England’s security. She further stated that the WAR with known enemy wearing a uniform of his country, is replaced by a faceless, fanatic driven by an anarchic ideology with no country, no rules, and no boundaries. With the Global Security Alert issued by the United States, upon monitored chatter on the internet among AL QUEDA leaders around the world, after the awesome escape of terrorist prisoners in Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, lead them to close 22 embassies and consulates in the middle East and Africa.
What made the message closer to home is the fact that peaceful Cagayan de Oro, was bombed, using a home made explosive designed to maim and kill, placed in a crowded area, killing 9 and injuring more than twenty others. Some of the victims were doctors attending a medical conference. Just a few weeks later, another bombing in Cotabato City, with the same home made bomb, killing 9 people and maiming more that twenty people, in a crowded city street. What can we make of these violent incidents?
The government had issued the warning that it takes expertise to make these bombs, only terrorists trained by AL QUEDA, are known to have the same operating procedure. Jemaal Islamiya. Is connected to ALQUEDA, has affiliated groups in several areas in Asia, including the Philippines. There is no clear target, only to kill maim, cause shock and awe, instilling fear to one and all. Are we really prepared for this? Frankly and honestly, NO!
But can we just hide and cower in fear? Shakespeare said: “Cowards die many times before their deaths, the brave only die but once!”
The possibility of violence on a large scale is looking closer than we think. This is the reason why, we should turn this fear into positive action. Recently, there was an arrest of a notorious drug personality due to the vigilance of a MARINA officer at the pier. More vigilance by all our peace and order officers is necessary. We trust our Police Chief James Goforth to mobilize all his intelligence sources to be alert and aware of anything unusual in our neighborhood. Provincial Chief Virtuoso has his hands full, alerting all the entry points to the province, monitoring all possible personalities who are on the Wanted List. Recently, a wanted man was arrested in Benguet province due to the prompt reporting of civilians who recognized the fugitive. The task at hand is very difficult and our police need all the assistance they can get.
With SILLIMAN-TIPON 2013, around the corner, Mayor Chiquiting Sagarbarria must be elated to have this city as a center for an international event, enlivening the city business sector with hungry tourists. But at the same time, he must be having sleepless nights about providing utmost security to visitors and locals. The community is willing and able to give him support, all he need is to tap them into action. Just tell them what they can do! With proper coordination, this should alleviate our concerns about security.
Let’s keep our city safe and secure!
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Author’s email: [email protected]
