Recently, a bomb rocked the mall near our radio station. Eight are confirmed dead, 129 are injured and more bodies are reportedly under the rubble still. This is one of the malls we visit the most and was the one we used during our recent International Radio Conference. Our radio station is just a few blocks away.
The bombing took place during lunchtime when the damage would be the greatest. Only two groups have the capability to make such a complicated bomb: militant Islamic military units from the southern island and the military/police/government itself.
Most suspicions so far are targeting the government of beleaguered President Gloria Arroyo who is at risk of impeachment and has recently had a “patriot act” type of legislation passed as law giving the government expanded powers against anyone who can be labeled as “against the government.” This type of event was used by former president Marcos to declare marshal law and keep himself in power for 17 years.
No matter who was responsible, the public’s confidence in this government will go even lower. When the last President, Joseph Estrada, was in danger of impeachment, there was a sudden rash of bombings in movie theaters. This was also understood as the Estrada government’s attempt to rally the people around the need to leave the president in power so as not to become weak in the face of the “terrorists.”
What kind of monsters can coldly plan things like this? For ourselves, we are all okay. We have been through these things before and God always helps us deal with it. We have learned through coup de etat, kidnappings and many terrorist actions in the city that the safest place in the world to live is in the center of God’s will for your life. Please pray for the injured, for the families of the dead and for justice by whatever means God designs.
Chuck and Sherry Quinley
Island Ministries
Project Number 0600031
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© 2007 Church of God World Missions [1]