High alert

THE Philippines extends its condolences to the victims’ families and voiced solidarity with Britain in the fight against extremism following the deadly terror attack in Manchester, United Kingdom that left 22 people—including children—dead and 50 injured.
“We are in solidarity with the United Kingdom in addressing and combating violent extremism,” Philippine Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said.
A suicide bomber reportedly carried out the attack as fans were streaming out of Manchester Arena after American pop singer Ariana Grande’s concert on Monday, May 22.
In Manila, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is closely coordinating with organizers of the concert tour of Grande set on August 21 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.
While there is no specific terror threat for the pop star’s Manila stop, the PNP is initiating involvement in the event’s security so that appropriate security arrangements and assistance can be extended to ensure the safety of concertgoers.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, May 23, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, who’s in Moscow for a four-day state visit to Russia, cut his trip short after declaring martial law in Mindanao. The decision came amidst attacks perpetrated by Islamic State (IS)-backed Maute group in Marawi City.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana reported that government forces clashed with Maute fighters in Marawi City. The fighting left two policemen and a soldier dead and injured several others, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
The siege reportedly began hen police and troops raided a house where Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group and the subject of a U.S. State Department bounty of $5 million, was believed to be hiding.
Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano will stay behind in Russia to sign several agreements.
The Philippine government has valiantly dealt with armed conflicts since the 1960s. While it succeeded in diminishing the numbers of these groups, coercion continues to this day. Major fronts have long fought for communist insurgency in the Mindanao region, leaving national reconciliation as still an ultimate goal for its government.
The prevailing discord in Mindanao stems from what Moros believe as historical and continuing injustice committed against them, resulting in a majority-minority relationship that manifests itself in underdevelopment and dispossession in Muslim areas.
While there is a lack of a comprehensive data on the total number of people affected and resources lost or destroyed as a result of these conflicts, reported estimates have been disturbing. Aside from being saddled with armed internal security threats, restoring peace in the country—especially in Mindanao—is also hampered by apparent economic and social problems.
In this ever-changing and turbulent world, it’s easier for some people to aggregate power, to instigate war than to commit to peace and compromise.  People behind such terror attacks must be reminded that it took millions of lives, thousands of years and hundreds of wars to achieve global order.
Peace may be attained when there is cultural integrity, respect for differences, protection of human rights, good governance, sustainable development and delivery of basic social services. The list may still go on, and these measures will require more than just valiant efforts from the government and its people. (AJPress)