StevenWarRan Research: April 2000, BusinessWorld

The Basilan provincial crisis committee is ready to give in to the Abu Sayyaf's demand that a member of the Basilan Ulama council, a Claretian priest, and film actor Robin Padilla negotiate for its release of 32 hostages. Committee spokesman Chris Puno said yesterday the committee will finalize today the members of the negotiating panel, as per the demands of the Abu Sayyaf. "In a previous meeting, the Abu Sayyaf negotiator said the group wants an Ustadz of Basilan, a Claretian priest, and Robin Padilla for negotiations. We said we will be choosing who among the Ulama council would be able to go and negotiate. The same with the priest," Mr. Puno told radio interview. The Abu Sayyaf continues to hold 32 hostages, including a priest, in Sumisip, Basilan. Mr. Puno also said Mr. Padilla would be advised to negotiate with the Abu Sayyaf through telephone or through the media. Meanwhile, a Moro vigilante group threatened to kill the relatives of Abu Sayyaf leader Khadafy Janjalani if the hostages are not released by April 15. In a radio interview, the vigilante group leader Abdul Mijal said he would not hesitate to kill Mr. Janjalani's pregnant wife if the kidnap victims are not released.

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April 6, 2000, BusinessWorld, Padilla's help last resort,

Malacanang yesterday said it would only consider tapping actor Robin Padilla in the negotiations for the release of hostages of a Muslim extremist group in Basilan as a last resort. Executive Secretary Ronaldo B. Zamora said Malacanang rejected a proposal to appoint Mr. Padilla to negotiate for the release of 33 hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan. "National Security Adviser Alexander P. Aguirre, who we sent to Basilan, has recommended that he be hired as a matter of last resort."
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April 10, 2000, BusinessWorld, Army troops kill 19 Moro rebels in MILF camp raid,

At least 19 Moro rebels and a Marine soldier were killed as Philippine Army troopers attacked a rebel camp in Lanao del Norte on Saturday evening.

Philippine Army public information officer Captain Noel Detoyato said yesterday that 2,500 troopers from the Army and the Marines attacked Camp Belal at around 8:20 p.m. the day before yesterday.

Camp Belal is the headquarters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Munai, Lanao del Norte. The camp is base to at least 400 to 500 Moro rebels.

Mr. Detoyato said government troops received field reports that at least 19 MILF rebels were killed during the attack. Another 30 were reportedly wounded.

On the government side, Marine Corporal Avelino Alpas was killed, while Army sergeant Mariel Fraginal and Army private Jun Castillo were injured.

Earlier, Army 4th Infantry Division chief Brigadier General Roy Cimatu threatened to attack the camp of MILF rebels who take part in terrorism in Lanao del Norte.

Mr. Cimatu was reportedly irked by reports the MILF members harass government troops and residents in the area.

Before the attack on Camp Belal, Moro rebels fired at soldiers in Baloi, Lanao del Norte, the Army spokesman said. At least 3,000 families have been evacuated from Baloi as MILF-government clashes became more frequent in the last few weeks.

Some 200 armed MILF rebels are reportedly positioned in Bgy. Pacalondo in Baloi.

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April 11, 2000, BusinessWorld, Moro terrorists threaten to start executing hostages (Killings to start in two days unless demands granted),

Moro terrorists in Basilan holding 31 hostages are threatening to start executing their captives in two days unless the government grants their demands.

The terrorists, belonging to the Abu Sayyaf group, said through spokesman Abu Ahmad Salayuddin yesterday that male hostages will be killed first.

Their demands include film actor Robin Padilla's travel to the Abu Sayyaf's Camp Abdurajak in Basilan to negotiate for the hostages' release.

The terrorists also want food, and the chance to meet with members of the Ulama council, the group of Muslim clerics.

"Kapag hindi pa pumunta si Robin Padilla within 72 hours (starting 6 a.m. yesterday), magsisimulang mag-execute tayo ng mga lalaki dito. Hindi kami nagbibiro. (If Robin Padilla does not go here within 72 hours, we will start executing the men. We are not joking)," Mr. Salayuddin said in a radio interview.

On March 20, Abu Sayyaf members abducted 54 persons - including a Catholic priest, schoolteachers and their students - from two barangays in Sumisip, Basilan.

Since then, some hostages have been released in exchange for food and medicine.

Mr. Salayuddin said the government must comply with all of the Abu Sayyaf's demands by 6 a.m. on Thursday, or it will start beheading male hostages.

He added the Abu Sayyaf will even invite media to witness the hostages' beheading, in Camp Abdurajak in Basilan.

The spokesman also accuses the government of insincerity in negotiating for the hostages' release, noting its lack of action on the Abu Sayyaf's demands.

For one, military rescue operations have been continuing, despite the Abu Sayyaf's call for a halt to all military operations in Basilan.

"Kung hindi mapapunta si Robin Padilla, walang problema. Sundalo na lang ang papuntahin at handa na kami makipaglaban. (If the government cannot make Mr. Padilla come here, no problem. It can send soldiers instead, we are prepared to fight them," Mr. Salayuddin added.

He also claims to have spoken with Mr. Padilla over the telephone. He claims the film actor expressed willingness to go to Camp Abdurajak.

Also yesterday, Basilan crisis management committee member Christopher Puno said it was unlikely for the committee to change its mind on Mr. Padilla's participation in the negotiations.

"The stand of the committee is to get Robin to negotiate through cellular phone," Mr. Puno said in a separate radio interview.

Earlier, the crisis committee expressed concern that the Abu Sayyaf may also hostage Mr. Padilla if he goes to Camp Abdurajak.

The crisis committee is the government body tasked to directly deal with the Abu Sayyaf on the hostages' release.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces spokesman Colonel Rafael Romero said the Abu Sayyaf's execution threat is only a "bluff." He also said the military is ready for any eventuality.

"This is just a bluff on their part. This is a condemnable attempt to make the government accede to their demands. What they are doing is not right, some of their hostages are only schoolchildren... But our forces are on standby and ready to act," Mr. Romero said in an interview.

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April 13, 2000, BusinessWorld, Padilla sees Abu Sayyaf leaders at Basilan camp,

Movie actor Robin Padilla arrived in Basilan yesterday to meet with Moro terrorists belonging to the Abu Sayyaf now holding 31 hostages.

Basilan crisis management committee spokesman Christopher Puno said Mr. Padilla is already in the Abu Sayyaf's Camp Abdurajak to negotiate for the hostages' release.

The Basilan crisis management committee is the interagency team task-ed by the government to work for the release of the hostages. Abu Sayyaf is one of several armed groups fighting for an independent Islamic state in Min-danao.

Mr. Puno expressed hope the Basilan hostage situation would be resolved by tomorrow.

"We're looking after the welfare of the victims there. We are raising our hopes. They (Mr. Padilla and Abu Sayyaf leaders) are there at the negotiating table now... I don't want to speculate or say anything yet until they are finished with the negotiations. We will just wait for those who are with the negotiations to finish," Mr. Puno said in a radio interview.

Mr. Padilla met with National Security Adviser Alexander P. Aguirre and Armed Forces Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Diomedio Villanueva in Zamboanga City yesterday morning.

After the meeting, he was flown to Basilan and then immediately brought to the Camp Abdurajak.

It is the Abu Sayyaf which demanded that Mr. Padilla, an ex-convict who turned to Islam while in prison, personally negotiate for the hostages' release.

Its members even threated to start executing the 31 hostages - which include a Catholic priest, schoolteachers and schoolchildren - this morning unless the movie actor flies to Basilan.

Mr. Padilla was accompanied by Catholic priest Nestor Banga and Muslim clerics in Basilan to Camp Abdurajak, which is named after slain Abu Sayyaf leader Abdurajak Janjalani.

In a telephone interview yesterday, Armed Forces Southern Command spokesman Col. Hilario Atendido said the military is on standby in Basilan.

He said government troops are prepared for whatever might happen to Mr. Padilla while in the Abu Sayyaf's lair.

On March 20, Abu Sayyaf members abducted 54 persons from Sumisip and Sinangkapan towns in Basilan. They had earlier released a number of hostages in exchange for food and medicine.

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April 13, 2000, BusinessWorld, 70 rebels, 23 soldiers die in Lanao de Norte battle (Armed Forces' campaign vs MILF),

Seventy Moro rebels and 23 soldiers were killed yesterday as clashes between government troops and Moro rebels in Lanao del Norte continued.

Reports from the Armed Forces Southern Command based in Zam-boanga City state that 67 soldiers were also wounded during a battle in Munai town.

The military did not state how many Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members were wounded during the clash.

Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division spokesman Maj. Johnny Macanas said fighting between government troops and Moro rebels started at around 6 a.m. yesterday.

"Ongoing ang clashes sa Bgy. Dalama, na malapit sa MILF's Camp Bilal. Patuloy pa rin ito, ayon sa order na paalisin na sila dito. (Clashes are ongoing in Bgy. Dalama, which is near MILF's Camp Bilal. The clashes will continue, in line with the order for the military to force the rebels out of here)," he told BusinessWorld in a telephone interview.

The fighting between military and Moro rebels started six days ago, after MILF members attacked Army soldiers in patrol in Munai town.

Immediately after that attack, Army 4th Infantry Division commanding general Brig. Gen. Roy Cimatu ordered his troops to "wipe out" Moro rebels in Lanao del Norte in 15 days.

Mr. Cimatu said then that the military will continue attacking Moro rebel camps in the province, particularly Camp Bilal in Munai, until it overruns all of them.

Camp Bilal is the biggest MILF camp in Lanao del Norte. The military is continuing clearing operations in the province. It claims to have overtaken at least nine small MILF camps there.

Mr. Macanas, meanwhile, said an Army brigade led by Col. Felipe Berroya, and a Philippine Marines brigade under Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio, are now at the frontlines fighting Moro rebels.

An estimated 4,000 soldiers are currently in Lanao del Norte.

As this developed, President Joseph Estrada said the government would not allow Moro rebels to continue their terrorist acts.

Mr. Estrada said in a radio interview that he has already ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to go "all out" against Moro rebels.

"We have directed our military commanders to go all out against terrorism and any kind of criminal activities they (Moro rebels) are doing," he said.

"Hindi natin sila patatawarin at talagang lulusubin natin sila. (We will not forgive them and we will really attack them)," he added.

Mr. Estrada also said he directed AFP chief of staff Gen. Angelo T. Reyes not to show any "mercy" toward Moro rebels.

But the President also said the rebels should continue peace talks with the government. He has given peace negotiators until June to force a peace pact with the MILF. He added the government is also determined to bring economic development to Moro areas in Mindanao.
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April 14, 2000, BusinessWorld, 54 drown as motor launch capsizes off Jolo,

Fifty-four people drowned when an allegedly overloaded motor launch capsized off Jolo, Sulu late Wednesday evening, the state-run disaster agency reported yesterday.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), in a report, said M/L Ana Hada capsized at around 8:30 p.m. after leaving Jolo pier.

At least 54 bodies have been recovered, while 19 survivors were brought to the Sulu Provincial Hospital, NDCC reported.

In a separate report, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said 43 and not 19 survivors were rescued, and that they were brought to the Jolo Hospital. But it confirmed that 54 bodies have been recovered - 27 children and 27 adults.

In its report, NDCC also said the launch left Jolo pier at around 7:30 p.m. bound for Bongao, Tawi-tawi. PCG, meanwhile, reported that the launch capsized about 1.3 nautical miles off Jolo. But it did not sink. It was even towed back, although half-submerged, to Jolo pier yesterday morning.

The launch's crew reportedly allowed more passengers to board in high seas. The allegedly overloaded vessel thus capsized after encountering strong waves, the Coast Guard said.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Orlando S. Mercado said rescue and recovery operations are still ongoing as many passengers are still missing.

"The problem that we are facing is the usual problem that we face when we have overloading. It is difficult to determine the exact number of people on board the motor launch. It is anywhere between 150 and 200, and we don't know exactly when to stop the (rescue and recovery) operations. But we will just continue as long as we are able to retrieve bodies," Mr. Mercado told reporters at the Defense office in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"I think this really points to a very serious problem in controlling the boats and ferries. This gives you a feeling of deja vu. This is a repetition of the things we have been experiencing in the past, it is depressing," he added.

Meanwhile, Coast Guard probers are looking at overcrowding as the possible cause of the Ana Hada accident.

The motor launch, reportedly capable of carrying a maximum of 50 passengers, was cleared by Coast Guard Jolo Station to leave the Jolo pier last Wednesday evening after its passenger manifest showed that it was carrying only nine crew members and 11 passengers.

But as of 2 p.m. yesterday, the probers' initial report state that at least 54 persons drowned when the launch capsized.

In a telephone interview, Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Ricardo R. Piollo said rescue teams are experiencing difficulty since these do not know the exact number of passengers on board the ship.

"We are at a loss on how many passengers are there. So we just keep on looking and looking for survivors or fatalities," Mr. Piollo said in the vernacular.

The initial report also states that a male survivor who managed to swim back to Jolo pier after the launch capsized narrated that small pump boats ferried more passengers to M/L Ana Hada while it was at sea.

The pump boats' passengers boarded Ana Hada while the launch was on its way to Tawi-Tawi.

Mr. Piollo said the passenger loading in high seas was not known to Coast Guard officials, leading some to speculate possible human smuggling.

Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, the launch's destination, is just a few hours away from Sabah in Malaysia, the official said.

"Although it (human smuggling angle) is still speculative in nature, we are also looking at it. The passengers may just be going home to Tawi-Tawi, we are not really sure," Mr. Piollo added.

M/L Ana Hada is owned and operated by Marsharif Titing of Zamboanga. It was piloted by Hamed Misuari. The Coast Guard is still to confirm if the launch's skipper was among the survivors.
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April 14, 2000, BusinessWorld, Abu Sayyaf seen to free Basilan hostages,

Moro terrorists were expected to release last night two of their 31 hostages in Basilan, after a government negotiating panel promised to send 185 sacks of palay to the terrorists' camp.

In a radio interview yesterday, Basilan crisis management committee spokesman Christopher Puno said the terrorists - members of the Abu Sayyaf - promised to free two schoolchildren in exchange for the palay.

The crisis committee is the body tasked by the government to deal with the Abu Sayyaf to ensure the release of the 31 remaining hostages.

"Nag-usap na kami ng Abu Sayyaf... Yung isang truck ang magdadala ng 185 sacks of rice ngayon... Puwede na siguro silang magsimula ng talks. (I already talked to the Abu Sayyaf... A truck will bring the 100 sacks of rice today... Maybe they (hostage negotiators) could start the talks already)," Mr. Puno said.

As of press time, hostages are still to be released. Also, it could not be confirmed if the sacks of palay have been brought to the Abu Sayyaf's Camp Abdurjak in Basilan.

On Wednesday evening, Abu Sayyaf members refused to start negotiations with a government panel, led by film actor Robin Padilla, until their demand for palay was heeded.

At the time, the crisis management committee managed to send only 15 sacks of palay.

Mr. Puno said the terrorists would start negotiations for the hostages' release only after they receive the 200 sacks of palay. The palay delivery was expected to reach Camp Abdurajak late last night.

"Pero mayroon pa silang demands para kay President Estrada na sasabihin lang nila pagkatapos nilang makuha ang mga 200 sacks of rice. (But they have other demands from President Estrada which they will disclose only after getting the 200 sacks of rice)," he added.

On March 20, Abu Sayyaf members abducted 54 persons - mostly schoolteachers and schoolchildren, including a Catholic priest - in Sumisip and Sinangkapan towns in Basilan.

Some of those abducted have been released already, in exchange for food and medicine.

Defense Secretary Orlando S. Mercado, meanwhile, said the government is confident the negotiating team led by Mr Padilla will secure the release of the 31 hostages in the next few days.

Earlier, Abu Sayyaf threatened to start beheading male hostages unless Mr. Padilla goes to Basilan personally.

At the Senate, Senator Rodolfo G. Biazon said the government should now expect more abductions by terrorist groups.

"Even if Robin Padilla has arrived there in Basilan, it doesn't mean that the hostages will be freed. The government must concurrently study a change of manner in dealing with the Abu Sayyaf," he said.

"The government must not rest but pursue the Abu Sayyaf until it is demolished," he added.

Meanwhile, at least 21,850 families have left their homes in Lanao del Norte to avoid continued clashes between government and Moro rebel troops.

But, Mr. Mercado said, the government is doing everything to provide adequate relief assistance to these displaced families.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported yesterday that fighting in Lanao del Norte has so far displaced 102,627 persons.

Of these, 76,295 are now in 14 evacuation centers in the province. Another 26,332 are in evacuation centers in Lanao del Sur.

Those who fled are mostly residents of the following towns: Kauswagan, Baloi, Linamon, Sapad, Monai, Tagoloan, Bacolod, Maigo, Kumabugan, Matungao, Pantar and Salvador.

Fighting between government and Moro rebels started on March 16 after the rebels, belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), took over the Kauswagan town hall.

This prompted President Joseph Estrada to order the military to go "all-out" against the rebels.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Colonel Rafael Romero said military clearing operations in Munai, Lanao del Norte continues as government troops come close to overrunning the MILF's Camp Bilal, which is near the town.

"There are continuous clearing operations... In fact, some of our troops are already in Camp Bilal. But the MILF is still putting up a strong fight in the area," Mr. Romero told reporters.

He also said the military is confident that government troops would completely overrun Camp Bilal within the next three to four days.

Camp Bilal is considered a major MILF camp. It reportedly houses 400 to 500 rebels.

"The only worry we have is the MILF might shift its operations in other areas," Mr. Romero added.

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April 17, 2000, BusinessWorld, Heavy fighting in Lanao del Norte won't delay peace talks - Batenga,

The government will continue its scheduled peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mindanao on May 2 despite fighting between their troops in Lanao del Norte.

Thus said yesterday government peace panel chairman Edgardo Batenga, who also said the fourth round of peace talks will be in Cotabato City.

"We are still committed to addressing the Mindanao situation through a peaceful negotiated settlement of this conflict," Mr. Batenga told BusinessWorld in a telephone interview.

But a special meeting between the government and MILF peace panels in Cotabato City set for today was scrapped, Mr. Batenga said.

The meeting is on the ongoing conflict in Lanao del Norte and on the implementation of the 1997 cease-fire agreement between the military and Moro rebels.

"The meeting is not part of the formal peace talks. Its purpose was to discuss the Lanao del Norte situation - Because of lack of time and preparation, we decided to postpone the meeting to a later date," Mr. Batenga said.

Meanwhile, Moro rebels claim the military continues to violate the 1997 cease-fire agreement by launching attacks against their camps in Mindanao, particularly in Lanao del Norte.

MILF vice-chairman for public information and concurrent spokesman Mohager Iqbal said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) does not appear to recognize the cease-fire agreement.

"Amenable naman kami sa cease-fire, pero sa tingin ko ang mga sundalo ang may ayaw. 'Yung mga sundalo ay sumusunod sa order ni Erap na all-out sa amin. (We are amenable to a cease-fire, but I think the soldiers are not. The soldiers are following President Estrada's order for the military to go all-out against us)," Mr. Iqbal told BusinessWorld in a telephone interview.

He also said there seems to be lack of coordination between the government peace panel and the AFP.

He said the AFP continues to attack the MILF's Camp Bilal in Munai, Lanao del Norte, even if the government peace panel recognizes it as one of the Moro areas to respect.

Heavy fighting broke out in Lanao del Norte a week ago as the military moved to capture Camp Bilal. Government troops finally overran the camp three days ago, AFP spokesman Colonel Rafael Romero said.

Earlier, Army 4th Infantry Division commanding officer Brigadier General Roy Cimatu ordered his troops to capture Camp Bilal before the end of April.

MILF rebels use the camp to stage offensives in Lanao del Norte, including their takeover of the Kauswagan town hall on March 16.

But Mr. Batenga defends continued military action against the MILF, saying the AFP is protecting public interest. "The AFP and the National Government are only making sure that the civilians and business interests are well-protected," he said.

The MILF is one of two Moro groups fighting for an independent Islamic state in Mindanao. It was a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front, which laid down its arms in 1996.

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April 18, 2000, BusinessWorld, Two Quezon town clashes,

A total of five communist rebels and a soldier were killed in two separate clashes in Quezon the day before yesterday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday. Six rebels and three soldiers were also wounded in the clashes. A report by the Southern Luzon police state that three rebels were killed while two police officers and an Army soldier were wounded during the clash at Sitio Palipit, Nakar town on Sunday. During the clash at Sitio Anibugan, also in Nakar, two and a half hours later, two rebels and an Army soldier were killed, while six rebels were also wounded.
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April 18, 2000, BusinessWorld, Editorial, True North: Moro-Moro,

Preposterous, indeed, is the word.

The President chose the right word to describe the demands of the Abu Sayyaf this weekend for the release of thirty hostages in Basilan. The release of the World Trade Center bombing convict from a US prison and two other imprisoned Abu Sayyaf cohorts in Mindanao, an audience with the Italian Ambassador, the removal of Christian crosses in Mindanao and the imposition of Muslim practices throughout the island make for an eccentric menu of needs, indeed. It's a menu that casts doubt on the soundness of mind of the hostage group.

Preposterous is also the word to describe how the government has responded to the situation involving thirty innocent lives. Officials sent movie actor Robin Padilla to the negotiation site, by shrill demands of the starstruck legionaries. What could have qualified Padilla as a key player in the showdown? The actor is a celebrity convert to Islam, his faith incubated in prison as he was serving a sentence for illegal possession of fire-arms.

As if the ridiculousness of the rebels' request was not enough, there is Padilla's confidence in his influence. Believing naively that he can change the ways of his fellow Muslims by sheer charisma is only possible with an ego that overshadows his real incompetence in the matter. "I'll go only if they don't make a display of me," he said. And what did the rebels think of their close encounter with "The Bad Boy of Philippine Movies"? They gave the show two hostages.

Preposterous is also the government's low regard for the rightful professionals for the job. You would expect that with the number of seasoned military men in the administration, decorated by medals of valor and impunity, the President could have assembled a sterling negotiating team.

But apparently, someone credits "artistas" with greater powers of suasion and the Filipino public with terrible superficiality, as if we who vote according to the "kilig" factor will be taken by a stagey turn of events. Spice Boys and actor/politicos we may have in plenty, but such shams have the consequence of trailers in a morose documentary-they provide side entertainment.

Preposterous, too, is how a nuisance like this has hogged the newspapers for so long. There is little consistency between the actions and words of the hostage-takers. First, why the religious issue? Christians in Mindanao have not violated the rights of their Muslim brothers. Their relatively peaceful co-existence produces no serious motive for the Abu Sayyaf's imposition over the activities of Christian schoolchildren, such as barring them from attending Christmas parties and wearing non-Muslim vestments.

Despite the separatist movement, which is primarily political in nature, there is no case of discrimination, indoctrination nor dishonor calling for the exile of Muslim non-believers or the curtailing of religous tolerance.

There is also no understandable reason why the Abu Sayyaf demands the release of a bomber who's been successfully convicted of a crime. The group does not dispute the manner by which his case was investigated or his punishment served. If they do, they have not made their convictions clear.

Furthermore, if the group truly sympathizes with the poor soul, they picked the wrong government to lobby for his release. Religious ties notwithstanding, the Philippines has little to say about the bomber's sentence. Given the US government's policy not to entertain terrorists, long-distance lobbying is a very weak bargaining position. The flimsiness of these causes reveals one of two things of the hostage group: their dim-wittedness or their disorganization.

One can't fault low intelligence. After all, even the Catholic Church requires full knowledge before a harmful action can be called a sin. But there is no excuse for disorganization. If one is to further a cause successfully by putting lives at stake, the mastermind should exercise complete focus and control. However, what can one make of orderly logistics (they are yet able to provide for the feminine hygiene) and chaotic external relations? That is something I don't understand. Is the Abu Sayyaf hostage taking a puppet show?

Preposterous, too, is how the situation has developed new angles. Another rebel group led by Abdul Mijal kidnapped the wife and son of the Abu Sayyaf chief. What a cinematic twist! Madman points a gun to a hapless passerby, then a rouge cop comandeers a counter-offensive when he shouts, "Freeze!" and steps out of the shadows to reveal that he holds a beloved brother in his mercy. The real cops, as usual, haplessly stand by.

The news is beginning to resemble entertainment, I tell you. A B-movie's playing, and it has all the fingerprints of a director who has bad taste, lousy direction and poor judgment of his audience. We should be consoling ourselves with the thought that decades of bad movies should have conditioned us for such bad fare, but nothing prepares us to recognize real crap. Fact is sometimes stranger than fiction.

Mr. Stephen Santos responds:

"Let us accept debt of gratitude is part of a political culture (take note, political not a national culture), not only in the Philippines, but even in Germany and the US. Yes it is true the Marcos debt is a burden to our country but the point here is the climate of the Philippines. Politics is revenge. We don't have a stable political party. Every President tries to form a unique party and after they step down, it's "bye-bye."

Among the cronies of the President, there are some who are really good and sincere and others who are really questionable. We should identify the contributors from the profit-takers, those who invest and those who just play around.

"The only way through these things is proper education. In Taiwan, former president Chiang Ching-kuo, the son of Pres. Chiang Kai-shek, did not immediately become president. He learned by starting from the bottom. The Taiwanese learned the importance of education after mainland China was lost to the Communists. And after Pres. Chiang Ching-kuo died it is no longer the government which has moved the country but the people of Taiwan, the entrepreneurs.

"In short, the culture and nature are not factors here but proper education that will set the foundation. If the Philippines is really serious with economic progress, then they should start improving the quality of their education."

Readers can send their feedback to chrisscheng@hotmail.com.

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April 19, 2000, BusinessWorld, ARMM's Misuari scores AFP killing of MNLF fighters,

At least 10 members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were killed by government troops going after Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels that attacked the Kauswagan town hall in March, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor and MNLF chairman Nur Misuari said yesterday. The MNLF "freedom fighters" were killed in Lanao del Norte during military operations in Kauswagan and Balo-i towns. "Some of our commanders were complaining that our comrades were hit. They were caught in the crossfire - About 10 or more people were killed," Mr. Misuari told reporters in Malacanang. He is thus urging the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be more "circumspect" in its military operations. "We would like to ask them to be more careful," Mr. Misuari added. The secessionist MILF is a breakaway faction of the MNLF, which signed a peace agreement with the government on September 2, 1996.
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April 19, 2000, BusinessWorld, Gov't ready to counter terrorism (Aguirre downplays Abu Sayyaf threat),

The Philippine government is ready to protect urban centers as well as United States citizens in the country from terrorists attacks by the Abu Sayyaf.

Thus said yesterday National Security Adviser Alexander Aguirre in a press statement released by Malacanang.

"We have what you call intelligence exchange and continuing coordination and liaisoning among friendly forces," Mr. Aguirre also said.

The Palace statement also quoted Philippine National Police (PNP) chief director general Panfilo Lacson as saying that the PNP is beefing up patrols and is teaming up with the Philippine Marines to maintain peace and order in Metro Manila and other areas.

But Mr. Aguirre, who did not rule out a military solution to the hostage situation in Basilan, stressed that a peaceful resolution is the priority.

"We will exhaust all peaceful means. However, we have to tell them (Abu Sayyaf members) that they have to be prepared because there is always a limit," Mr. Aguirre said.

He also noted that most of the Abu Sayyaf's demands, particularly the release of jailed international terrorists, are unreasonable and impossible.

As this developed, the United States rejected demands by Moro rebels to release three Islamic militants held in US jails, and vowed to protect Americans whom the guerrillas had threatened to kidnap or kill.

"The United States does not concede to threats or demands made by terrorists," the US embassy in Manila said in a statement.

"We have seen reports of this terrorist group's demands and take all threats against American citizens seriously.

"American citizens are advised to avoid Basilan and to exercise caution. The US will continue to work to protect American citizens," the embassy added.

The threat to kidnap or kill Americans in the country was issued on Monday by the Abu Sayyaf, which is holding hostage 29 people, mostly schoolchildren, on Basilan island in Mindanao.

Abu Sayyaf is one of two groups fighting for an Islamic state in the south of the Philippines, a largely Roman Catholic country.

The release of the US-held militants was one of five demands made by the Abu Sayyaf for freeing its 29 captives, who were abducted on March 20 from two high schools in Sumisip and Singkapan, Basilan.

There are around 100,000 Americans in the Philippines, with an undetermined number of them living in the southern islands. It was not immediately known if any live on Basilan, a largely Muslim area.

The guerrillas identified the three militants they wanted freed as Sheik Abdurahman Omar, Abou Haidi and Youseff Ramsy, believed to refer to Ramzi Ahmed Yousef, who is serving a life term plus 240 years after being convicted of masterminding the bombing of the World Trade Center in New York in 1993.

The group has also demanded the release of two rebels held in local jails, a meeting with a representative from the Vatican, a ban on fishing by foreign boats in waters around Basilan and a stop to the setting up of crosses in the area by Catholics.

The 29 hostages are believed to include 22 children, several teachers and a Catholic priest. They were among more than 70 people abducted on March 20 but the others have since been freed in exchange for food and medicine.

"If the Americans reject (our demands), what we can promise is that we will kidnap or else kill all Americans that we see in the Philippines," a rebel spokesman said on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Basilan crisis management committee, the body tasked by government to secure the release of the hostages, continues to negotiate with the Abu Sayyaf.

The committee is also exerting efforts to pursuade the Moro extremist group to bring their demands within "reason" and "legal and moral feasibility," Mr. Aguirre told a press conference at the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency office in Quezon City.

He also said that despite its threat, the Abu Sayyaf is not likely to harm or kill the hostages if the group's demands are not met, since such action violates the teachings of Islam.

Mr. Aguirre also fended off Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr.'s call for his resignation for allegedly bungling the Mindanao situation.

"With regard to the good senator's unfair, unwarranted and unexpected diatribe against me, in the spirit of the Lenten season, I forgive him for he knows not what he is talking about," Mr. Aguirre said.

Meanwhile, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor Nur Misuari said the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) is distancing itself from the Basilan hostage situation.

"The OIC has not said anything. They have no comment. They don't like to be misconstrued as interfering," Mr. Misuari said.

Mr. Misuari is also chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, a Moro rebel group which signed a peace agreement with the government in September 1996 with the help of the OIC.
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April 20, 2000, BusinessWorld, Moro rebels threaten to abandon peace talks,

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) threatened yesterday to pull out of peace negotiations which start next month unless the military halts offensives against Moro rebels in Maguindanao.

In a telephone interview, MILF vice-chairman for public information and concurrent spokesman Mohager Iqbal also claimed the military continues to violate the July 1997 cease-fire agreement.

"In principle, tuloy ang peace talks at we will attend. Pero kung hindi sila titigil sa kanilang aggressive moves at magkakaroon sila ng malalaking pag-atake sa amin dito sa Maguindanao, we will pull out of the peace negotiations. (In principle, the peace talks will push through and MILF will attend it. But if governnment troops will not stop their aggressive moves and if they will conduct massive attacks on MILF camps in Maguindanao, we will pull out of the peace negotiations)," Mr. Iqbal said.

The fourth round of formal peace talks between the government and the MILF is set for May 2.

Mr. Iqbal said there is growing apprehension on MILF's part that the military will stage heavy attacks on MILF camps in Mindanao. He also said Moro guerillas have been told to prepare for such attacks.

Several days ago, three Marine battalions replaced the two Army battalions operating in the Maguindanao-Lanao del Norte area.

MILF is one of two Moro groups fighting for an independent Islamic state in Mindanao.

The military, meanwhile, believes the MILF is now suffering from a "leadership crisis" as well as shortages in food and medicine.

Thus said recently Armed Forces public affairs service chief Colonel Jaime L. Canatoy, citing military intelligence reports from Mindanao.
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April 25, 2000, BusinessWorld, Still no confirmation on beheadings - Puno,

Military operations against the Abu Sayyaf will continue until government troops rescue all 27 hostages, Press Secretary Ricardo V. Puno said yesterday.

Meanwhile, Mr. Puno also said the government is still to independently and officially confirm Abu Sayyaf's claim that it beheaded two of its male hostages on Wednesday last week.

He said the only way of verifying whether the two hostages were indeed killed is when the military overruns the Abu Sayyaf camp in Basilan.

"We cannot have a truly independent confirmation or A-1 source that could say whether the victims were beheaded or not," Mr. Puno said in a telephone interview.

He said the military has received conflicting reports on the hostages beheading.

"We have intelligence reports that say the victims were indeed beheaded but there are also counter intelligence reports that they were not beheaded," he said.

Mr. Puno cited as example a local radio interview of one of the hostages who said not one of them has been killed so far. The Abu Sayyaf, through its spokesperson, claimed to have beheaded the two male hostages on April 19 as a birthday gift to President Joseph Estrada.

"The only way to confirm that is once the military is inside the camp, once government forces overrun the camp," Mr. Puno said.

The day before yesterday, the military launched a "rescue" operation against the Abu Sayyaf, a move which was reportedly approved by the Basilan Crisis Management Committee (CMC).

The committee is handling the negotiations for the release of the hostages.

"The decision to conduct a rescue operation came from the CMC after it determined that it has exhausted all peaceful options. But still it expressed deep concern for the safety of the hostages," Mr. Puno added. He also said the President has been informed of the military operation and is kept updated of developments by military officials and CMC.

Mr. Puno said he has spoken with Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Angelo T. Reyes, who informed him that three soldiers died and three were wounded during rescue operations. The military estimates at 220 to 230 the number of Abu Sayyaf members in the lair where the hostages are held.

The President, in his Easter message delivered during the El Shaddai Prayer Partners Foundation Easter service yesterday, called on the nation to pray for peace, particularly in Mindanao.

"Let us pray that we will remain united regardless of differences in our faith, beliefs and religion of whether we are Christians, Muslims, Visayans, Tagalog or Pamapaguenos. This is the spirit of Easter, the time when we relieve our hopes for peace, justice, progress and democracy," Mr. Estrada said.

"Let us also pray that our misguided brethren will be enlightened so they would shun violence," he added.
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April 25, 2000, BusinessWorld, Sulu bombing, strafing wound seven soldiers,

Seven soldiers were wounded in a bombing and strafing incident in Sulu province the day before yesterday.

In his initial report to Armed Forces chief of staff General Angelo T. Reyes, Philippine Army 4th Infantry Battalion command duty officer Colonel Ricardo Q. Garcia said armed men hurled a grenade and fired at army unit in Bgy. Alat in Jolo, Sulu at around 7 p.m. Sunday.

Mr. Garcia identified those wounded as Army sergeants Cordova, Pagara, Clapano and Baclayon; Army corporals Baladhay and Paliza; and Army private Cristobal.

They were brought to Camp Asturlas Sin Hospital in Jolo for treatment.

Mr. Garcia also reported that pursuit operations are now ongoing for the capture of the perpetrators.
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April 25, 2000, BusinessWorld, Businesswise: War without end; Abu Sayyaf beheaded two male adults,

The Muslim bandit group Abu Sayyaf beheaded two male adults out of the 29 hostages they were holding in Basilan after President Estrada rejected their impossible demands, such as the release of Arab terrorists jailed in the US. They claim to work for an independent Mindanao but do not even qualify as terrorists.

They are nothing but a band of heavily armed brigands in the business of kidnapping for money and money alone. They further distinguish themselves from the other Muslim rebels by their exceptional cowardice. They do not even deserve to be called Abu Sayyaf - Bearers of the Sword.

This group has not been known to engage the police or the military in battles. They routinely kidnap only missionaries, teachers, women and children. Not for ransom, they say, but for "reimbursement of expense" for the trouble they themselves create. Unlike their ancestral amoks or Arab counterparts who would blow themselves up along with the victims, they are modern-day barbarians.

Who but the uneducated would demand to have "bad boy" movie star Robin Padilla, an ex-convict with absolutely no political grounding, act as negotiator? And after getting that stupid requisition and the photo ops, would make even more absurd demands? If peace ever comes to Mindanao, they will engage in the same criminal activities and will contribute nothing to society but misery.

They should be completely exterminated. As they should have been in the past.

That they continue to exist is due to government ineptitude and neglect, of the past and present administrations. Of the church as well. Those who claim to represent the Muslims, the MILF and the MNLF, cannot escape the blame, either.

If there were adequate police presence in Basilan, bandits like the Abu Sayyaf would have a difficult time plying their trade. But even that is lacking in Metro Manila. And having failed to prevent numerous incidences of kidnapping, law enforcers are unable to mount successful rescues - notwithstanding the fact that just about everybody knows where the Abu Sayyaf holes up. It is not surprising therefore that the victims and the barbarism have escalated in number and degree, as well as the preposterousness of demands.

The roots of the war in Mindanao go deep in the past. Our American conquerors used Christians of the Spanish and Thomasite varieties to populate its vastness through the abuse of the "homestead law." Some Muslims even welcomed the newcomers and helped them settle, only to be dispossessed of the lands they had already developed.

But if that were not enough, Imperial Manila has always neglected to develop Mindanao. Today, the poorest, least educated and most unhealthy Filipinos are the Muslims in Mindanao. They are also least represented in government.

But Christians are also to blame, despite the educational and charitable work they do in Mindanao. It may be less so now, but much of this work is done to convert Muslims to Christianity. Which amounts to denying learning and charity those who refuse the new religion. So Muslims prefer to leave their children uneducated. That arrogance of religion is prevalent even in Catholic schools in Manila, mirrored in the quality of education between sectarian and nonsectarian schools.

Our Muslim brothers have legitimate grievances. But they, too, have been part of the problem. They also war among themselves. The MNLF and Misuari also failed in the ARMM experiment, even if the national government must share the blame.

There is no reason for either the MILF or MNLF to tolerate the depredations of the Abu Sayyaf and the like, whom they routinely brand as "Lost Commands" to absolve themselves of complicity in their crimes. The Muslim rebels, like the Communists, utilize the "lumpen proletariat," or plain criminals, in their cause - to dissipate military force and sow terror. Otherwise, Muslim leaders only have to dissuade them from illegal activities and warn them of severe retribution.

Before Yasser Arafat became accepted as a statesman for the Palestinians, he, too, was a terrorist. But the world no longer holds any tolerance for terrorism. Thus, the MILF would debate their cause with statesmanship but keep a blind eye to the devil-sent Abu Sayyaf.

The violence in Mindanao will not end until the Muslims get independence. That should no longer be a distasteful alternative. Some Muslim intellectuals now propose that the issue be settled through a peaceful referendum in selected Muslim-dominated areas of the region. That is a concession that large parts of Mindanao have already been "conquered," albeit claims that the Muslims have never been subdued.

Though it is remote, the Muslims may even vote to remain with the Philippines, as it is constituted today. It is up to the rest, in a peaceful campaign, to convince our Muslim brothers of the advantage of remaining united. And if they remain unconvinced, the separation cannot amount to "dismemberment." On the contrary, the Muslims are already, in fact, dismembered by government neglect.

Why, even non-Muslims feel alienated by the poverty, the cronyism, corruption, plunder and incompetence of all administrations. Otherwise, how explain the exodus of Filipinos to the US or as OFWs, or the continuing Communist rebellion?

The government can no longer plead for time to develop the neglected Muslim-dominated areas. An independent Muslim territory may attract investments from the Arab world and succeed where Manila has failed. It might then be an advantage to relate with our brothers as separate nations than force a marriage that was never there to start with or will ever succeed.

Innocent civilians will continue to suffer for as long as the war in Mindanao goes on. The war that the Muslims are waging is no different from Vietnam, the Koreas, the East and West Pakistans, the Palestinian war, the East Timor struggle, the Yugoslavian conflict or Singapore breaking off from Malaysia.

The tragedy is that after the dead are counted, Muslim independence may have to be brought about by some form of "Camp David Accord." By then we would have senselessly wasted so many lives only to discover that we only deprived our Muslim brothers and ourselves the prosperity that only peace can bring._______________________________________________________________________

April 26, 2000, BusinessWorld, Military far from rescuing hostages, says Abu Sayyaf,

ZAMBOANGA CITY - A radio station broadcast yesterday an appeal from a Catholic priest, one of 27 hostages being held by Islamic guerrillas, for the military to stop bombing the rebel hideout.

Fr. Ruel Gallardo, in an interview with local radio station dxXX, said the attacks would kill the captives, which include 22 children and who have been held for five weeks by fundamentalist Abu Sayyaf rebels on Basilan.

"We are all scared, we will die from the bombings," he said. "If you want us to be released, let us do it peacefully through negotiations, not through bombings. It is not only bullets that will kill us but also terror."

He urged the government to agree to the rebel demands, which include the release of three Islamic militants jailed in the United States.

"Whatever the group's demands are, give it to them," Mr. Gallardo said. "Withdrawal of the military is the number one need right now if you want to save our lives."

It was unclear if the guerrillas had scripted the priest's comments, which came as the military began its fourth day of air and ground assaults on the 900-foot mountain where the rebels are holding their hostages.

The military began attacking the rebel camp on Saturday but officials said the strikes had been confined to the lower parts of the mountain, well away from where the hostages were being held at the summit.

Military reports said at least 28 people - 25 guerrillas and three soldiers - had died in the mountainside skirmishes.

Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado accused the rebels of using the hostages as "human shields" in a bid to thwart the military assault.

The guerrillas were hiding in bunkers while keeping the children and five adults in huts above ground, he said. The Abu Sayyaf is one of two groups fighting for an Islamic state in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, a man claiming to be an Abu Sayyaf spokesman called a Zamboanga City radio station yesterday and said the group was behind the kidnapping on Malaysia's tiny Sipadan island.

Mr. Mercado said authorities were verifying the claim and that if it was true the kidnapping may have been a "diversionary tactic" to ease military pressure on the Basilan rebels.

Reports from Malaysia said the heavily armed kidnappers and their captives, riding on two boats, were seen heading toward Philippine waters - a 45-minute ride away.

A naval and air search of southern Philippine waters yesterday failed to find the craft, the military said.

The hostages seized in Malaysia include nine Malaysians, three Germans, two French, two South Africans, two Finns, one Lebanese and a Filipino who worked at the Sipadan Island Resort.

The military launched its offensive on the Abu Sayyaf hideout after the rebels said last week that they had beheaded two of their 29 captives.

The hostages in Basilan are among more than 70 people abducted from two high schools last month. The others have been released.

But in a telephone interview, Abu Sayyaf spokesman Abu Sabaya told BusinessWorld that government troops are still to overrun Abu Sayyaf "blocking forces" at the slopes of Mt. Punu Mahadje in Southern Basilan.

"We are still waiting for their operations. They have not yet reached our main camp. And the reports that they have overrun our satellite camps are not true. And these are not even satellite camps, but only entrenched blocking forces," he said.

"Three days to reach our camp? Well, that's their dream-I don't think they can do that because they're suffering too much. They have not even taken out their casualties from our area, what more to rescue our hostages? Their morale is low," he added.

Mr. Sabaya also claimed at least nine soldiers were killed during fighting on Monday, while the Abu Sayyaf suffered "minimal" casualties.

He noted the Abu Sayyaf can sustain a war with government forces for a year. He said preparations were made before hostages were taken. Stored supplies of food and ammunition are good for "six to eight months," he added.

Mr. Sabaya also claimed that two of the hostages - a young girl and a female teacher - were wounded during government troops' initial assault.

But AFP public affairs service chief colonel Jaime L. Canatoy said the military is confident it can overrun Abu Sayyaf's main camp and rescue the hostages before the week ends.

He admitted, however, that improvised landmines as well as the rough terrain are slowing down government forces.

Meanwhile, police are investigating the abduction and killing of an Abu Sayyaf member in Isabela, Basilan, on Sunday.

In a report, the police regional office based in Zamboanga City said armed men abducted Abu Sayyaf member Murijin Sali and his companion Zaldy Jawad at around 5:30 a.m. at Kabunbata, Isabela, Basilan.

Half an hour later, Mr. Sali was found dead some 500 meters from his place of residence. He sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of the body, police said.

Meanwhile, a Sulu solon claims a group of businessmen and politicians is instigating conflicts in Basilan and Sulu in order to protect its members' business interests.

Sulu Rep. Hussin U. Amin also said he is still collecting evidence that will support his claim that a "third force" is behind the recent spate of bombing and kidnapping incidents in Basilan and Sulu.

He noted some of these incidents may be deliberately playing off the Muslim-Christian conflict.

"I think, somebody or a third force, is creating a scenario for a continued Muslim-Christian conflict," Mr. Amin said in an interview.

Mr. Amin said these politicians and businessmen have been taking advantage of the peace and order problems in the provinces. Zamboanga City.

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April 27, 2000, BusinessWorld, Abductors reportedly demanding P30 million,

The abductors of 21 tourists and resort workers from an island resort in Malaysia are reportedly demanding P30 million for the release of the hostages, Press Secretary Ricardo V. Puno, Jr. said yesterday.

The ransom demand, however, is still to be verified he said. But he confirmed that the kidnappers and their hostages have been spotted in Patilaw, Sulu.

He also said Malacanang has asked Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor Nur Misuari to help resolve the matter.

"Governor Misuari has offered his assistance and his good offices to try to resolve this situation. The Executive office is trying to work out a document which will define exactly what his role might be," Mr. Puno said.

Mr. Misuari met with President Joseph Estrada and Executive Secretary Ronaldo B. Zamora for nearly an hour late yesterday afternoon. Mr. Misuari briefed the two officials on the kidnapping.

Mr. Zamora, emerging from the meeting with the President, said Mr. Misuari informed the President that all the hostages were seen in Patilaw, Sulu.

He also said the President designated Mr. Misuari as "official negotiator." He was given instructions to ensure the safety of hostages, Mr. Zamora added. He also said no conditions or demands have been officially relayed to the government.

Another Palace official, who requested anonymity, said it has been established that the kidnappers are Filipinos. The official also said the kidnappers do not belong to any group.

"They appear to be young kids. I was told their ages range from 18 to 26. But they are also associated with criminal activities. Also, this operation was purely for ransom," the official added.

The official also said the Abu Sayyaf, which is now holding 27 hostages in Basilan, is reportedly trying to convince the kidnappers to turn over the hostages to it. The official also noted there are other groups interested in the hostages.

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April 28, 2000, BusinessWorld, Two soldiers die, 11 others wounded on Basilan isle,

Two soldiers were killed while eleven others were wounded after two days of heavy fighting between government troops and Abu Sayyaf rebels near a camp in Basilan where the rebels are holding 27 hostages.

This was learned yesterday from Armed Forces Southern Command spokesman colonel Hilario Atendido, who said that the military is gaining position at the slopes of Mount Punu Mahadje in Southern Basilan as government troops continue to advance.

"We had an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf rebels (on Tuesday and Wednesday) while our troops were advancing towards their main camp," Mr. Atendido told BusinessWorld in a telephone interview.

Casualties on the rebels' side are yet to be determined, but the group may have also lost "quite a number of men," Mr. Atendido said.

Government troops began their assault on the Moro extremist group's mountain lair early Saturday morning to try to rescue 27 hostages, mostly children.

Military offensives were initiated after the Abu Sayyaf claimed to have beheaded two of the hostages because President Joseph Estrada rejected its demands.

The group also warned of more executions if the government continues to reject its demands.

In the interview, Mr. Atendido said government troops have yet to complete the rescue mission.

The military's assault is restrained by its concern for the safety of the hostages. Troop movement is also being slowed down by terrain and weather conditions as well as land mines.

"The rescue operation is still ongoing and we are constantly pressing on towards their camp," Mr. Atendido said.

"As I've said before, this is an open-ended operation until we have safely rescued the hostages... But we also want to finish this operation as early as possible," he added.
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StevenWarRan Research

Friday, November 2, 2012

April 2000, BusinessWorld

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