Two kidnap cases have happened in Sabah over the past two weeks, the latest being four Malaysians kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf. It is not easy to monitor such a large area of sea. The ESSCOM is doing all they can but it seems that the Abu Sayyaf still get through.
There has to be a longer term handling of the problem and it is not military or use of force.
Because of the lack of opportunities in the Philippines many people turn to crime including kidnapping. The Abu Sayyaf do not know much or care too much about Islam.
To turn them away from kidnapping, they need economic opportunities. There must be investment in trade, business and education. Manila is not going to do it anytime soon. It is going to be up to us to help them. Manila is 1000 km away from Mindanao. Sabah is within swimming distance.
There has been a suggestion that the barter trade between Sabah and Philippines be abolished. I think this will be disastrous. Without the barter trade, more people will turn to crime to make a living.
It is better to develop more barter trade between Sabah and Mindanao. Not less. Build more jetties and landing points so that goods may be transported more easily.
The more people trade the more jobs will be created. They will have better incomes. They will buy houses, cars, motorbikes, tv sets etc. When they have things to call their own they will be less inclined to commit crime for a living.
The solution to the Moro problem does not lie in Manila. The solution is up to us. Sad but true.
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