Information on a Need to Know Basis: achmed the terrorist

1) Let me call this "Mumbai Episodes"

Johnry Castillo

Recently, multiple sites in the Indian city of Mumbai were attacked with bombs and gunfire in a coordinated terror attacks that last almost 60hours. Death toll has risen to at least 172, including at least 22 foreigners and more than 300 injuries have been reported. Deccan Mujahideen, a terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the siege. Apparently, they sought foreigners as the target of their crime. The fire had died down, but the smoke still lingers as its implications could be seen miles away skulking in the Philippine archipelago.

Terrorism covers all territory and terrorist is not bounded by any boundary. Ostensibly, the terrorist attacks in Mumbai could be seen parallel to Rizal Day Bombings. The Deccan Mujahedeen could be likened to Abu Sayyaf group. Affected civilians of terrorist acts encompass nationalities whether you are Indian or Filipinos. Hence, our country is not excuse whatsoever to the effect of the recent bombings in Mumbai.

With regard to our Philippine external relations, the Mumbai episodes could be a distress call to our policemen and armed forces to always be on the red alert, to maintain peace and order and subsequently provide security. It is good that our armed forces (PNP and AFP) joined conferences and coordinate among global peers to strengthen knowledge, tactics, and counter-terrorist measures but please do away with what the Euro Generals had committed---bringing along their wives with unstated huge amount of money.

This attack could be a signal to our legislators to provide tooth and claws and not just white elephant laws on Terrorism. What’s the update of our Human Security Act? We haven’t heard for a while. Maybe we are going to hear from it when terrorists provide another terrifying sorrow to the society. Should we wait for a Mumbai attack in our hotels, religious centers and shopping malls?

The Mumbai episodes stir up our foreign emissaries to prove their worth in protecting our citizens and advancing our interests across the globe. In case of a terrorist act, our consulates and embassies must strive harder to safely and efficiently move away our fellowmen out of trouble.

To our entrepreneurs and businessmen thinking of investing in India and other countries, this attack could serve as a critical factor to reconsider their foreign land business options. Aside from income, please consider security as well.

Historically, this kind of crisis is what we in general, tend to consider as teacher. Such event is a class subject that teaches us to be more pragmatic on our daily lives. One example, our Human Security Act is an offshoot of the 9/11 attack in US. Moreover, this terrorist attack, taught security personnel to be stricter in letting in and out customers in mall. Finally, such event warns us to be more careful on riding MRT or going to malls on Rizal day. Mag-ingat…

(I really am sleepy...I 'll talk about the Thailand standoff if i have time this week)