MANILA – Sunday’s bloody terrorist attack in Jolo that left 27 dead and 77 wounded, as of last count, from two separately timed IED explosions provides the justification for the restoration of the death penalty for selected crimes against humanity.
Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Rafael Alunan III, who was concurrently the cabinet officer for regional development (CORD) in charge of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and anti-terror chief during the Ramos administration, favors its restoration for terrorism, drugs, murder, ecological destruction, human trafficking and plunder.
He also said that this is one more reason why martial law was extended because the problem of terrorism, banditry, insurgency and rebellion still exists throughout various parts of Mindanao and its island provinces.
“Terrorism strikes without warning and kills indiscriminately. It subverts the economy and national security,” noted Alunan.
As CORD-ARMM, Alunan spent at least half of his time in Mindanao resolving internal security problems that hampered peace and development efforts. He was handson in obtaining the safe release of kidnap victims in the hands of rebels and terrorists; pacifying feuding clans; enforcing the law against erring officials; breaking up private armies and recovering loose firearms.
For his accomplishments, Alunan was conferred the titles of “sultan” and “datu” in Lanao Norte and Sur,
“Those responsible for this latest crime against humanity must be brought to justice soonest possible because justice delayed is justice denied,” Alunan said. “Congress must fast-track the restoration of the death penalty; upgrade the Human Security Act to give the Executive Branch the muscle to clamp down on terror and syndicated crime; and reform the Criminal Justice System. The economy and well being of Filipino families are paramount concerns.”
Alunan took the occasion to also shout out for the steady buildup of the AFP and PNP to be able to handle both external and internal threats to the country. “Persistence is key because danger lurks everywhere,” he said.
