| KL justice offers to deal with
Sayyaf A TOP Malaysian official has asked authority from the government to aid
efforts to release three Malaysians still held hostage of the Jolo-based Abu Sayyaf
bandits, it was learned yesterday.
Justice
Nucahaya Bte. Hj. Arshad of Malaysia’s high court wrote to President Estrada last
week, citing requests from the families of the victims and stressing she was acting in a
private capacity. The Malaysian Justice said she wanted an update on the situation and
offered to “help in any way” for the release of her compatriots.
Arshad’s
initiative is being coursed through Dr. Raul P. de Guzman, the President’s
brother-in-law and adviser for Development Administration. Also helping her are two
emissaries, Mohammad Salifad Datu Hushin III and Zamboanga Land Transportation Office
Assistant Director Mama Camid.
Recent
communication between Malacañang, De Guzman and the emissaries indicate that Arshad has
the trust of Abu Sayyaf leader Ghalib Andang alias Commander Robot.
Sources told THE
MANILA TIMES that Arshad’s intercession has become an urgent matter, given the
setback Sunday in hostage release talks.
Acting Philippine
National Police (PNP) chief, Director Reynaldo Wycoco also told reporters yesterday the
Abu Sayyaf is capable of making good its threat to torch Jolo.
A report submitted
to Malacañang yesterday by Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Gen. Angelo Reyes, said the Abu
Sayyaf has received at least P245 million in ranson, euphemistically coached as “board
and lodging” for their foreign “visitors.”
Reyes, who
delivered his report in a rare Cabinet meeting that had media present, quoted Armed Forces
intelligence reports to back his claim.
He also confirmed
that the extremist group has bought arms and ammunition with the ransom.
Aborted
The expected
release of the three Malaysian nationals was aborted Sunday for still unknown reasons.
Government officials could only say that their Malaysian counterparts had suddenly
cancelled a scheduled meeting with chief government negotiator Secretary Robert
Aventajado.
Sources of THE
MANILA TIMES however said the bandits reneged on their commitment to let go of their
captives because they had discovered the ransom for German journalist Andreas Lorenz
included some “marked” money.
The bandits
discovered this when the P500,000 they paid a trader was refused by banks, the sources
said.
The banks were
reportedly under instructions to reject cash for deposits with certain “listed serial
numbers.”
The sources
coordinating Arshad’s planned visit said rebels have also used the ransom to “feed
and clothe entire villages,” a reason the military and police have found it difficult
to cull intelligence reports on Abu Sayyaf movements.
“At least
three towns around Sipadan are being supported by the Abu Sayyaf,” the sources told
THE TIMES.
No-ransom policy
stays
In this
connection, Malacañang yesterday washed its hands off the alleged ransom payments.
Press Secretary
Ricardo Puno Jr., commenting on the reported payments by foreign sources of ransom, said
“government couldn’t prevent back-door deals.”
He said the same
case applies in the reported $25-million offer of Libya for the release of the so-called
“Sipadan hostages.”
Puno echoed
Aventajado’s statement he would abide by the no-ransom policy of government in
negotiating for the release of the Abu Sayyaf hostages. ¨
--Mirasol Ng-Gadil, Joel San Juan and Marin C. Trinidad
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