09944

06/14/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-09944

TERRORISM IN THE PHILIPPINES

The June 7^th attempt by Philippine commandos to rescue an American missionary couple and a Philippine national demonstrates a commitment to combat terrorism wherever it is found. Deborah Yap, a Philippine nurse, and Martin Burnham were killed. Gracia Burnham, his wife, was wounded.

The three were held by Abu Sayyaf terrorists for more than a year. Another American who was captured along with the Burnhams was beheaded by the terrorists shortly after being kidnapped. As Secretary of State Colin Powell said, "Vicious groups like Abu Sayyaf stop at nothing. They fear no one. The murderous example of Abu Sayyaf shows how right President Bush has been to lead a global campaign against all terrorists, all forms of terrorism, and not just against al-Qaida."

Abu Sayyaf has been involved in numerous terrorist activities -- kidnappings, bombings, and extortion. Their targets have included churches and foreign civilians. In April 1995, Abu Sayyaf attacked a town in Mindanao, killing more than fifty Philippine soldiers and innocent civilians.

Since January, the U.S. has been assisting the government of the Philippines to fight Abu Sayyaf terrorists on the southern island of Basilan. Operation "Balikatan" is Tagalog for "shoulder to shoulder." The U.S. is providing training and technical assistance to the Philippine armed forces. About one-thousand U.S. troops are involved. But the Filipinos, said Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, "are the ones who have the job to do."

Even though two of the hostages held by Abu Sayyaf were killed, U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said that the attempt to save their lives was understandable. "Hostage takers ought not be rewarded," said Mr. Rumsfeld. "It makes them believe that is an activity they can engage in."

Both the U.S. and the Philippines believe in democracy and support human rights. And both are threatened by terrorist extremists who reject these values. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, president of the Philippines, said, "The terrorists shall not be allowed to get away with this.... We will not stop until the Abu Sayyaf is finished."