NIMB, or “Not in my Backyard!”, that is the usual reaction when confronted with the reported threat of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).
Between the denials of the military and the pronouncements of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City, it is better “to err on the side of caution”. Whether or not there are ISIS sympathizers or followers among Filipinos, is still debatable, as the moderate leadership of MILF vowed to stop this savage ideology from infecting Southern Muslim regions.
The ISIS is an extreme Islamic fundamentalist group that is condemned for its barbarism and savagery, as shown by the video of the brutal beheading of American journalist, James Foley. It is unbelievable that in this day and age such kind of brutality and inhuman acts are perpetrated in the name of their purported extreme religious beliefs. However, most Islamic scholars and believers shun these acts of savagery which are even inflicted in their own Muslim followers, if they do not follow their extremists lines.
Per media reports, there are at least 500 British citizens fighting with ISIS in Iraq and Syria along with American citizens who are “volunteer jihadists”. ISIS fighters come from all over the world, and attracting young, disenfranchised young Muslims because of their beliefs or due to mercenary incentives. ISIS is now occupying some territories with oil fields, thus, boosting their revenue base. Believe it or not, they recruit through the internet, through sympathetic mosques, all over the world.
It is important to note that their ultimate aim is “WORD DOMINATION”. This should serve as an alarm bell to government authorities. Through video clips in the internet, two armed Filipino Muslim groups, the Abu Sayyaf and the BIFF (Bangsa Moro Islamic Freedom fighters) vowed allegiance to ISIS. How can we forget the beheadings of captives (civilians or soldiers) by these groups!
The Abu Sayyaf is linked to Al Qaida, which have perpetrated cross national kidnappings in Sipadan, Malaysia of foreign nationals who were transported to Jolo, in the 1990s. The BIFF along with other Southern Muslim purists are intent on pursuing the goal of establishing as independent Islamist state within the Philippine territory. There are even rumors of a repeat of the Zamboanga siege. These are threats which should be taken seriously, as these groups are capable of deadly terrorists attacks.
After years of Muslim rebellion, claiming thousands of lives, the government is on the brink of achieving a peace agreement with the largest Muslim rebel group the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). The MILF vowed to stop ISIS spread in the Southeast Asian region. But, these extremists ideas are infectious and contagious to young Muslims amidst the environment of poverty and armed rebellion, in Mindanao. But, it is important to note that there are Muslim enclaves in major cities in the Luzon and Visayas areas. The Muslim problem is not confined to Mindanao alone. This is the reason why people should be aware of the ISIS threat. Government should institute measures to stop the ISIS “virus”, now!
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Author’s email: whelmayap@yahoo.com
