TERRORISM
Submitted by:
Aguilera, Sean Carlo
Santiago, Jonel
Seng, Cid Joseph
Garcia, Krizzi
Abstract
Terrorism has grown into a pertinent global factor that has an effect on many countries
and states in the world. This research investigated the different perceptions of Catholic and
Muslims on terrorism. It made use of qualitative cross-sectional design, utilized unstructured
interviews, and engaged in a convenience sample of Catholics and Muslims. The objectives of
this study was to raise awareness about the effects of terrorism on a person and secondly, know
the difference in the perceptions of a male or female Catholic/Muslim adult. Thirdly, explore the
differences in the perceptions of an active Catholic/Muslim believer. Past researches have
discussed the impacts of terrorism, perceptions of an individual on terrorism and also the
connection of religion with terrorism. Findings demonstrated that there isnt much difference with
the perceptions of Muslims and Catholics on terrorism. Gender and religious activity both have
exhibited no influence on ones perception on terrorism. The implication of this small-scale study
is that perceptions may improve policies on combating terrorism and raise awareness on the
effects brought by such violence; and thus help minimize adverse effects of terrorism.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract.i
Acknowledgments....ii
Table of Contents.....iii
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
perceptions and responses of Muslim and Non-Muslim people would greatly help in providing
information about the effects of terrorism.
As respects with the topic of terrorism, just recently last September 2nd of 2016 Davao
City once again experienced and suffered from these acts of violence. The Abu Sayyaf group,
an Islamist militant group claimed responsibility with the bombing in a night market in Davao but
the president asked to look for other possible suspects. The groups attack was a call for unity
to all mujahideen in the country". Mujahideen is the term used for one who is engaged in Jihad
which is the war against unbelievers. According to US Department of State, the goals of Abu
Sayyaf appear to have alternated over time between criminal objectives and a more ideological
intent". The terrorists goals is to promote independent Islamic state. The involvement of religion
in this case motivated the terrorists to conduct such violence. The attack led to the declaration
of state of lawless violence wherein well-coordinated military and police efforts will be carried
out across the country. The widespread effects of terrorism cannot be only isolated to the
particular place being terrorized but to the whole country as well. Citizens of the Philippines
whether living in Davao or not is affected directly and indirectly following the declaration of state
of lawlessness. With the utilization of fear, the attack left the people in shock and netizens
sympathizing with the families of the victims.
The study was conducted because of the uncontrollable overgrowing of cases of deaths
with different terrorist attacks and unpredictable acts of terrorists which deeply affects innocent
people. Seeing news, or TV reports with the number of deaths and Facebook posts of the
families of the victims are very heart-wrenching. Knowing they are all innocent and have nothing
to do with those terrorists, they shouldnt be in anyway die in the hands of other people. Imagine
a family member of yours just living his/her ordinary life, doing his/her job or in school studying
and suddenly will be gone just because he/she was there, where terrorists evilly decided to
bomb that place. We, as a part of a society where terrorists are present, felt the need to act, to
contribute something that may be used to improve policies so that there may be effective and
efficient prevention of, recovery from, and response to terrorism.
With the research the different perceptions of Muslim and Catholic adults on terrorism
will be explained and the awareness of people regarding terrorism will be explored.
Can an active Muslim and a Catholic believers perception differ from those who are
inactive?
as possible close relationship with us. The sample of Muslims in the markets of Angeles City
was chosen as the participants because of the close proximity with the researcher, taking into
consideration the strengths and weaknesses of the sampling method, and given the
methodology and the limited time and resources, a convenient sample was appropriate.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The current research incorporated ethical guidelines in conducting interviews. Since the subject
matter was sensitive in nature, participants were guarded against possible adverse effects. The
interview was conducted along with a consent form and a recording device. Consent forms were
granted in which the studys main objectives were addressed. The letter also informed the
participants that their participation is voluntary, the interview will be digitally recorded but they
have the right to refuse, if however they agree on recording the interview, they could review or
edit the information they have provided. It also explained if they become upset by the questions,
they could stop at any time and choose not to answer the question. Confidentiality of the
information was strictly implemented; names and other personal information will be kept private
to the extent permitted by the law. Participants were also informed they could use pseudonym if
they wish not to be identified. The research was conducted without deception; the results only
reflected the responses of the participants.
1. FORMULATION OF QUESTIONNAIRES
The research made use of an unstructured questionnaire. Unstructured interviews are
like a guided conversation. This type of questionnaire consists of open-ended questions. Openended questions requires more-than-one-word answers which are more in-depth.
According to revisesociology.com, these are some advantages of using unstructured
questionnaire:
a. Unstructured interviews are respondent led The researcher listens to what the
respondent says and asks further based on what the respondent have provided. This
should allow respondents to express themselves and explain their views more fully than
with structured interviews.
b. Unstructured interviews are flexible As the interview goes by, the researcher can
decide what could be the most important questions are.
More in-depth data can be gathered from the respondents because they can freely
discuss their sentiments and opinions.
2. COLLECTION OF DATA
Places where there are abundant Muslims and Catholics will be visited including the
markets and Churches nearby for the data collection where personal interviews would be held,
conducted by the researchers to the interviewees. Their answers would be written and recorded
for safekeeping of information, they would be answering the questionnaire made. Personal
interviewers would be Face-to-face to provide historical information and allows researcher to
control over the line of questioning.
RESPONDENTS
The respondents of the study would be the different Catholic and Muslim adults in areas
nearby Angeles City. Personal information would be kept confidential. Markets, Churches and
other public places would be visited to hold the interview.
3.
DATA ANALYSIS
After collecting the data from the interviews and writing and recording the answers, it
would be analyzed and the key points would be highlighted, these are the relevant and
important answers that would give significance to the research. These answers would answer
the questions of our study. It would be analyzed and summarized and a conclusion would be
formulated.
Gods laws?
Do you believe God really wants us to kill non-believers?
Should terrorists face cruel punishments? Why or why not?
Do you think any life is worth a goal?
Under what circumstances can terrorism be ever justified?
How do you understand a behavior of a terrorist?
In this chapter, research findings and the analysis of the data will be presented.
The findings relate to the research questions that guided the study. Data were analyzed to
identify, describe and explore the differences between the perceptions of the Muslim and
Catholic people on terrorism and to determine whether the gender and the religious activity of a
person affected ones perception. Data collection made use of an unstructured questionnaire
completed by a total of 26 participants. The primary data collected yielded conclusion wherein
gender as a factor does not directly affect ones perception towards terrorism.
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Address:
Contact no.:
Educational Attainment:
Religion:
13. Jihad, is the struggle or the battle against those who oppose Islam and what Islam
stands for which is the only assurance of a Muslim for salvation. Thats why many
terrorists are eager to die for their religion. Do you think this principle is acceptable to
Gods laws?
14. Do you believe God really wants us to kill non-believers?