Datu Piang attack. courtesy of Homidi Diagao via Arlyn dela Cruz/ Radyo Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman on Friday condemned the “brazen and senseless” attack in Datu Piang, Maguindanao late Thursday night, saying such acts “have no place in a democratic society.”
In a statement, Hataman likewise called the assault in the Maguindanao town as the handiwork of the “forces of evil.”
“Acts of violence, especially those that spring forth from terroristic acts, do not have a place in our democratic society. They should not derail our efforts toward achieving peace in Mindanao. We have fought tirelessly for the peace we now enjoy, and we will not allow terrorists to take that away from us,” Hataman said.
Based on reports by the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), members of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) entered the town and burned a police patrol car.
By the time military troops arrived to clear the area, the terrorists already left the scene.
BIFF’s spokesperson Abu Jihad on Friday claimed responsibility for the attack. Jihad said the group attacked because of the “illegal activities” in the town which is against the Law of Islam.
‘Forces of evil do not sleep’
Hataman meanwhile lauded the police and military for its efforts to contain the situation.
“I congratulate the armed forces and the police for containing the situation before it got out of control. Nangyari ito sa panahon na nagpapahinga na ang mga tao, sa gitna ng kadiliman ng gabi. Pero naging maagap ang ating AFP at PNP,” said the Basilan governor.
(This happened in the middle of the night when people are sleeping. But the AFP and PNP were alert.)
“What happened in Datu Piang yesterday is a hard lesson for all of us: that forces of evil do not sleep. They will come at a time when we least expect them. And they will stop at nothing to sow fear in all of us. This is why we have to be vigilant.” he added.
Hataman said that the work of government forces is not done even as it was able to turn away the IS-affiliated forces.
“We should not stop there. Yes, this is a clear win. Pero dapat pag-ibayuhin natin ang pagkalap ng mahalagang impormasyon at intelligence gathering upang mapigilan ang mga pinaplano pa ng teroristang grupo,” he added.
(We should ramp up the dissemination of important information and intelligence gathering to prevent the plans of the terrorist group.)
Hataman, former governor of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Anak Mindanao Representative Amihilda Sancopan filed the House Bill No. 4584 September last year.
Under the pending bill, the House members seek to create a program for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE).
It is based on Hataman’s previous program called the Program Against Violent Extremism or PAVE which aims to tackle terrorism by addressing its roots including poverty, lack of livelihood opportunities, inaccessible education and health programs, and others.
“It now becomes imperative to wean our people away from the temptation of extremism and into welcoming arms of a peaceful society. We did it in Basilan, we can do it anywhere,” he said.