Terrorism

Terrorist activity continues to pose a menace from groups such as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), New People's Army (NPA), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), and other associated groups. Some groups have even pledged allegiance to Daesh (formally referred to as ISIL) and are likely to regard westerners as legitimate targets.

Terrorist organizations have the desire and ability to carry out attacks everywhere in the nation, particularly in Manila, the nation's capital, and in locations frequented by tourists, such as malls, nightclubs, and public transportation, including airports and the metro system. Houses of worship are not spared. Small weapons and improvised explosive devices, both personnel- and vehicle-borne, have been used in attacks.

As a vulnerable target for such acts, the Philippines acknowledges the need to holistically address the causes of terrorism through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach while collaborating with intergovernmental organizations, civil society, communities, victims, and their families. This approach is necessary for combatting terrorism effectively.

As Cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy, we have recognized that our country was never free of insurgency and terrorism. As future heads of offices in municipalities soon, we need to prepare ourselves for our enemies outside the portals of this institution. We need to be equipped with the learning we gained in our Enhancement Learning Package (ELP) seminars to include our topic in the Major Security Operation and Disaster Rescue.

Indeed, waiting outside is a myriad of expectations, some coming from criminal minds. I remember our professor in PNPA stated that we must always be prepared. If we can't imagine how to solve a particular dilemma, we should always go back to the basics or foundations of our learning.

At the same time, we should maintain a balance of power regarding the abovementioned matters. We should never forget that everyone needs human rights treatment according to the law and that we must not tolerate other officers who kill enemy troops when some surrender while in battle. Always maximum tolerance is a must, even on the battlefield.