The attack vs. the so-called Abu Sayyaf consolidated group in Sulu prior to the Eid’l Fitr or Hari Raya Festival was considered a terribly painful slap on Islam by the Abus, the Moro National Liberation Front (specially the breakaway groups like the one led by Commander Habel Malik), the leftist-inspired Muslims and others in Mindanao who do not particularly like the government. The Philippine military used OV10 and Bronco bombers, choppers to deliver live shells into the celebrants. Many were killed, scores suffered serious injuries. The sad thing about it is, the prayer assembly of the ASGs were being held in the stronghold of the MNLF, so possibly some MNs were also in attendance during the ceremonies and socials. In the media, they said, it was about serving the warrant of arrest against Al Bader Parad (the commander who reportedly fell soooo in love with Miss Ces Oreña Drilon), Umbra Jumdail aka Doc Abu, Isnilon Totoni Hapilon and possibly any other bonus leader who happened to be in the area.
After the attack the military was not able to certify if they killed or arrested the said persons wanted for big rewards on their heads. At once, my initial gut reaction was that due to the staging of the attack on a holy period for the Muslims, this will be responded with by no less than a Jihad. There was doubt among my friends, but me knowing Mindanao like the palm of my hand, I have no second thoughts about my forecast. Something is bound to happen soon and it will be big. Really big. Let’s all be watchful. Terror will soon strike at the heart of the country. Whoever gave the order to allow the soldiers to stage the attack, must either be dumb, hard hearted, or is listed in someone’s blue book? There will be hell to pay.