Cooperation works

It’s scary but we need to face it. I was referring to the alarming news that says the Abu Sayyaf group is coddling more foreign terrorists in the southern part of Mindanao. According to authorities, these foreign terrorists are from different countries like Syria, Indonesia and Malaysia and entered the Philippines through the southern back door.

As a teacher, mother and a citizen, I really felt scared not only for myself, my children, my whole family, my students but also for the rest of the country. It is not a joke that foreign terrorists are roaming around in our country and creating disorder in our land.

In Mindanao, particularly where terrorists are hiding, as residents we know and we are familiar with who are really living in that place and those whose faces are not familiar. With that, it is the task of the people to report and observe this people especially if they are foreigners. What is their purpose in the area?

The military is always reminding us to cooperate, give information and report any suspicious activities and persons in our areas for them to protect us and before it’s too late and we regret.

It is really true that “fighting terrorism is the responsibility of everyone.” I hope every one of us knows our responsibility. We may not fight this terrorist through guns but in simple ways of cooperation with authorities, we can save more lives and prevent terrorist attacks.

– SHAIRA FAHAD DIMAPORO, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte