ISIS Threat in the Philippines, Insignificant?
ISIS or Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is a terrorist group which can trace its roots from Bin Laden’s Al Quaeda back in 2004, but detached and rebranded as such 2 years later. It was disowned by the Al Quaeda in 2014.[1] This terrorist group seems to be more brutal and more effective in controlling those states which they have captured because they adapted a systematic western bureaucracy of sorts. They are more brutal, as they unabashedly post uncensored clips of their torture, execution and brutality in the internet through, but not exclusive to, the social media sites. They have control over major oil fields and vast lands in both Iraq and Syria. The oil from those oil fields is finding its way to the black market and reportedly makes 3 million dollars a day for the ISIS, effectively funding the group.
They garnered support from an alarmingly huge population all over the world. Their main platform for recruitment is the social media. Using the modern ways of facebook, twitter, and whatsapp, it bridges the gap between the group and its audience, making their audience feel more at ease with these non-intrusive methods. Others are even reported to have joined ISIS because in their minds, they are or will be helping a lot of people in a sort of warped, brutal way. The group promises the young people particularly the young women the good life. Free houses with electricity, complete amenities, even clean healthy hygiene which includes soap, shampoo, cologne, etc.[2]Another very effective propaganda is the promise of adventure trips, in their facebook account, they show trailer-like video clips of slow moving explosions, guns firing which ended by showing the American troops being blown up.
In the Philippines, the terror cannot be said to be too far away. The Mamasapano tragedy proves that point. But the more important thing to ask is, is ISIS a threat to the Philippines?
Considering the platform of the global community in terms of general welfare, human rights and economics, I would say that yes, ISIS is a threat to the Philippines which should not only be recognized, but also be prepared for thoroughly by the government. A very pertinent law in our country today which deals with terrorism is the Human Security Act which enumerates and penalizes acts of terrorism. But in a scope that wide and alarming, will this be enough to fend off the ISIS recruitment which threatens the society today?
ISIS threat in the Philippines have been said to be small, reported recruitment efforts in Mindanao universities and schools have yielded around 200 new recruits.[3] The Government have brushed aside the threat branding it as “small” and focused on the more present and active ones in the Philippines, the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group). But this same group has already pledge allegiance to the ISIS.[4]
Silent waters run deep. The ISIS threat may be silent today, but silence does not mean absence. The government should take steps in ensuring the safety of our country. No matter how small this threat is, it still is a threat. By the time it gets big enough, it will be too late to act. What then would happens to us if that time comes? A peace agreement? Another BBL sort of law for the IS, perhaps? I hope not. Because if it comes to that, the life, the terror, the horror, the anguish, and the loss the entire Filipino nation would have would be unfathomable. We could only hope for the best. But it never hurts to be extra careful.
[1] Lee Ferran and Rym Momtaz http://abcnews.go.com/WN/fullpage/isis-trail-terror-isis-threat-us-25053190, last accessed March 3, 2015
[2]Michael Holmes, http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/25/middleeast/isis-kids-propaganda/, last accessed March 3, 2015
[3] Ricardo Saludo, “How grave is the ISIS threat to the Philippines?”, http://www.manilatimes.net/grave-isis-threat-philippines/132938/, last accessed, March 2, 2015
[4] Maria Ressa, Senior Abu Sayyaf leader swears oath to ISIS, http://www.rappler.com/nation/65199-abu-sayyaf-leader-oath-isis?cp_rap_source=yml#cxrecs_s, last accessed, March 3, 2015
[2]Michael Holmes, http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/25/middleeast/isis-kids-propaganda/, last accessed March 3, 2015
[3] Ricardo Saludo, “How grave is the ISIS threat to the Philippines?”, http://www.manilatimes.net/grave-isis-threat-philippines/132938/, last accessed, March 2, 2015
[4] Maria Ressa, Senior Abu Sayyaf leader swears oath to ISIS, http://www.rappler.com/nation/65199-abu-sayyaf-leader-oath-isis?cp_rap_source=yml#cxrecs_s, last accessed, March 3, 2015
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