ON JOLO SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S BEHEADING

Once again, the terrorists in our midst have shown their savagery and utter disregard for the lives of innocent, hard-working, but very vulnerable citizens like Jolo school principal Gabriel Canizares. His beheading must not go unpunished. The authorities must act with dispatch to capture the murderers of Mr. Canizares and impose the harshest penalties under the law.

More importantly, the authorities must exert their best efforts at ensuring the protection of those at risk of being targets by these criminal bands who appear to be operating with impunity in Mindanao and Sulu.

We should also take utmost care that other hostages, including Columban priest Michael Sinnott, does not suffer the same fate as Mr. Canizares. We must also keep in mind that the key to preventing these unconscionable crimes is for genuine peace and development to take deep root in Mindanao and Sulu.