“There is no priority higher than the prevention of terrorism.” –John Ashcroft

Following the recent bombing at a cathedral in Jolo that killed 27, it’s normal for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be jittery and panicky. However, with the Feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Jaro beginning today in Iloilo City’s Jaro district, here’s hoping law enforcement does not request telecommunication companies to suspend mobile phone lines, similar to what was done during the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival.

The Jaro fiesta is one of the most attended religious gatherings across all of Asia. Suspending vital communication networks during such a mammoth occasion will only embolden troublemakers to disrupt events. A huge event with suspended communication facilities is a recipe for catastrophe. If an attack similar to the incident in Jolo were to take place, according to initial investigations, even after suspending Panay Electric Company lines, chaos would still occur – determined bombers don’t care whether phone lines are active or not.

By all means, the PNP must secure the Jaro Cathedral, where large crowds often converge with candles, pay homage to the patron saint, and attend mass. If a terrorist or some lunatic were to use remote-controlled bombs, which law enforcement fears, the attackers would have to first place or distribute their explosive devices. It would not be difficult to spot them if they are acting suspiciously, especially if they are carrying heavy items.

With the PNP’s vast intelligence machinery and surveillance systems, terrorists will be stopped in their tracks before even approaching their target areas. There is also an abundance of watchdogs and alert residents – barangay tanods, vendors, trisikad drivers, cabbies, among others – who would easily notice if someone was behaving out of the ordinary.

Instead of suspending mobile phone networks, police should buttress their monitoring network and surround vital areas,

Sometimes these scenarios are just figments of our imagination – they may not happen at all./WDJ