Showing posts with label Mindanao. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mindanao. Show all posts
Maguindanao Massacre: death toll climbs with 22 mediamen dead
Officials said 57 dead bodies were recovered in the site of massacre which occurred in Maguindanao, Philippines. The senseless political killings were reportedly carried out by the influential Ampatuan clan against political rival family--- the Mangudadatus. Wrapped in banana leaves, many of the bodies were not yet identified, but among the fatalities were 22 media men. Update of casualties was placed at 57 dead as of November 25, 2009.
“The journalists were accompanying several women of the powerful Mangudadatu clan to file the candidacy of one of the family for the provincial governor's post in elections next year.
No men from the family were present, since they believed that women would not be attacked by rivals.
Their convoy was stopped by about 100 armed men, who herded them to a remote hillside and attacked them with M-16 rifles and machetes. Two of their vehicles and many bodies were thrown into a freshly-dug pit and covered with earth by an excavator.”---Reuters (11/25/09, Castro, E.)
Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao Province to help investigate and apprehend the gunmen and the brains of the heinous killings. Hundreds of military troops were deployed in the area to lessen the tension and prevent more violence to erupt.
The aggrieved Buluan vice-mayor Ismael Mangudadatu who lost his wife and other family members have pointed to the supporters of Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr. and his son Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr as those behind the despicable murders, but government authorities have yet to arrest the suspects.
Joining the entire world in condemning the brutal crime, the United Nations secretary general Ban Ki- Moon expressed dismay and shock among groups like the European Union, and various diplomatic missions.
Although Pres. Arroyo, a known political ally of the Ampatuans vowed that justice will be served to avenge the dead, many are skeptical. Unsolved political killings especially in Muslim South are usually unsolved and unpunished in the Philippines. (Photo Credits: Reuters/ de Castro, E.; AP/ Marquez, B.; AP/ Favila, A.) =0=
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Maguindanao bloodbath blamed on Ampatuans
The gruesome massacre which left at least 36 people dead after they were kidnapped in Maguindanao, Mindanao, Philippines had been blamed on political rivalries involving leaders of the powerful Ampatuan clan.
Four survivors whose identities were not disclosed alleged that they heard Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr say the killings were demanded by his father Andal Sr. and older brother Zaldy, the governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
Among the victims was Genalyn T. Mangudadatu, wife of Buluan, Maguindanao vice mayor Datu Ismail “Toto” Manguddatu, the chief political rival of the powerful Ampatuans. Genalyn died with the convoy which included Toto’s two sisters, two lawyers, about a dozen journalists and supporters who did not survive the shootings perpetrated by heavily-armed men. Military authorities set up check-points to find the suspects.
At the time of the killings, the ill-fated group was about to file a certificate of candidacy (COC) for Toto Manguddatu’s run for governor at the Maguindanao Comelec Office in the provincial capital of Shariff Aquak--- a place controlled by the Ampatuan family.
The senseless bloodbath, the most vicious in memory, was condemned by local and international groups such as the Bishops-Ulama Conference, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and the Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontieres).(Photo Credit: wikimedia) =0=
UPDATE: The Philippine government declared a stte of emergency in the place where the massacre occured as the number of causualties mounted. This will allow curfews and searches to be done by authorities as they search for the gunmen that killed 46 people. Press freedom groups and journalists doubt if justice will be served in this ignominious murders.
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Missionary Michael Sinnott freed by kidnappers
The 79–year old Columban missionary Fr. Michael Sinnott who was kidnapped in Pagadian City in Mindanao was released by his captors. he was turned over to ambassador Rafael Seguis and peace negotiator Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Sealana.
According to reports, the Irish priest was brought by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at dawn to government authorities in a Muslim community. The separatist group had been suspected of orchestrating the abduction. Officials said there was no ransom paid even if $2 million was demanded by the kidnappers especially at the time of election.
Sinnott’s walk to freedom came hours before US State Secretary Hillary Clinton was to arrive in the Philippines. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP,) was happy upon knowing the religious missionary was set free.
His release brought a sigh or relief after the public was fearful and furious over the barbaric beheading of an elementary school principal in Patikul, Sulu. In a month's time from October 11 to November 11, seven (7) documented abductions were reported in Southern Philippines. This suggested that their kidnapping and that of Sinott'swon't be the last.
Though the old religious worker didn't show physical injuries as a result of his captivity, the emotional harm on the kidnapping victim and his familly could be enormous. It is appalling that innocent civilians, some old enough to be a great grandpa, had been used as pawns in the game the bandits play with the government. (Photo Credit: newsyahoo.com) =0=
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200 MILF negotiators for the release of Fr. Sinnott?
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$2 million ransom demanded for Fr. Sinnott’s release
After wild specularions over the conflicting reports that Columban missionary Fr. Michael Sinnott who was snatched by unidentified kidnappers a week before was dead, the military finally announced through Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner on Saturday, October 31, 2009 that a $2 million ransom is being asked for his release from the forest of Mindanao.
In a video where Fr. Sinnott appeared standing behind an October 22, 2009 copy of the newspaper Inquirer, he identified the leader of his kidnappers as Abu Jandal. Authorities have yet to confirm if Jandal is a member of the notorious Abu Sayyaf militants who are known to extort money from civilian hostages. Abu Sayyaf have ties with Al Qaeda, the international Islamic terrorist group led by Osama bin Laden.
According to the military, the 79-year old ailing priest who was forcibly taken in his mission office in Pagadian City on October 11, 2009 and later wrongly reported to have been killed in captivity looked weak in the picture. He suffers from heart problems.
Fr. Patrick O’ Donoghue, the Philippine head of the the Missionary Society of St. Columban, the order where the captive priest belongs identified Fr. Sinnott. He said, consistent with the government policy of not paying ransom, the religious mission will not release money for the freedom of the kidnapped victim.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a separatist movement operating in Mindanao which tries to help bring back Fr. Sinnott announced a rescue is still the first option to free the Catholic religious missionary. MILF civil-military chief Eid Kabalu said the insurgents holding the hostage is a small group, but they carry deadly guns and ammunitions. (Photo Credit: Charlie Saceda) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "200 MILF negotiators for the release of Fr. Sinnott?" Posted by mesiamd at 11/04/2009
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More fatalities in Abu Sayyaf firefight
The death toll of the fighting between the Islamic rebel group Abu Sayyaf in Jolo, Sulu, Mindanao and the military rose this week. Victor Reyes of Malaya reported:
“Nineteen bandits were killed Sunday, and another 15 Monday in clashes following an ambush staged by the bandit group on a military convoy returning from the captured Abu Sayyaf camp. The bandits killed eight Marines in the counter-attack. Nine other Marines were injured."
In a fierce fighting between more than 200 Abu Sayyaf bandits and government forces, Saddam Parad, the brother of Abu Sayyaf chief Albader Parad and as Ustadz Muktar, the cousin of another leader Ismilon Hapilon were killed. In January this year, it was Albader's group who kidnapped and eventually released three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) humanitarian workers after months of painstaking negotiations.
The fatalites were considered a huge blow to the Al-Qaeda-affiliated trouble-makers who lost their camp to the military in Sitio Talibang, in Barangay Buansa, Indanan last Sunday, September 20, 2009. As a result, government forces are beefing up their defenses to foil a retaliation from the notorious insurgents. (Photo Credit: Charlie Saceda) =0=
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GMA orders to "annihilate" the Abu Sayyaf rebels; Erap vowed to "pulverize" them
It’s like the grand order of then Pres. Erap Estrada who vowed to “pulverize” the Islamic militants of Mindanao during his tenure. The ambitious "pulverization" till now is still a pipe dream. The dangerous Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Abu Sayyaf are strong as ever. They still freely operate with such impunity in Mindanao.
After the bloodbath in Basilan this week, Arroyo did her own saber-rattling----ostensibly vowing to annihilate the Moslem bandits responsible for the recent blatant killings. Faced with a humiliating casualties, she had to deal with the skirmish which left 50 people dead, 23 of whom are miltary men, including two army officers.
Abu Sayyaf, in cahoots with some MILF elements are reesponsible. These militants have been done hostage-taking and murders in the past under the noses of government forces. Arroyo and her military men therefore have strong reasons to raise their battle warnngs and execute them.
"The war against terror must be pursued. The annihilation of the Abu Sayyaf must be done,” Mrs. Arroyo told a command conference of security officials led by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Victor Ibrado at the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters here."---Philstar (08/16/09)
Pres. Arroyo assuages the public’s grief for the 23 military men who died. Attempting to shore-up the morale of the soldiers and their bereaved relatives, her order of “rapid annihilation” seems hard to realize.
Poverty fuels the discontent of the people in Southern Philippines. The bandits have support from the community where they operate, posing a big obstacle in defeating the terrorists. The Islamic rebels reflect the futility of force which makes violence a losing instrument of peace. (Photo Credit: Alvin Chan) =0=
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Basilan gunbattle kills 23 government soldiers
Twenty three (23) military men died in a recent bloody clash with Abu Sayyaf fighters in Basilan, Mindanao on Wednesday, August 12, 2009. Government troops attacked the Moslem stronghold of Abu Sayyaf and engaged more than a hundred rebels in a day-long gunbattle leaving at least 21 militants dead.
Two young officers from the Army died among the 23 soldiers and another 22 were reported to have been wounded. The two were identified the junior Army officers as First Lieutenant Chester Barela of the Philippine Military Academy Class 2004 and First Lieutenant Dhel Jhun Evangelista (PMA Class 2006). The family of the officers have been informed.
The recent casualties bring to mind the fatalies on July 20, 2007 when 14 Marines were killed while trying to rescue Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi. Military men also died during attempts to rescue three Internatioal Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) workers kidnapped in Jolo, Sulu in January 2009. The three were eventually released by Abu Sayyaf captors after months of hostage negotiations.
The Abu Sayyaf is a notorious group of Islamic bandits with obscure socio-poliical objectives and mantains ties with the terrorist group Al Qaeda. (Photo Credit: Charlie Saceda) =0=
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Government calls for MILF ceasefire before GMA’s SONA
In a waxing and waning way of handling the Mindanao separatist movement, the Philippine government again suspended its military offensive against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF,) about 5 days before Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo delivers her state of the nation address (SONA) on July 27, 2009.
Spokesmen from the administration are ecstatic over the ceasefire which they believe will allow about 300,000 civilians to return home to their farms.
But the heavily unpopular president with a poor approval rating was quickly criticized for using the ceasefire to prop up her image---- that her handling of the decades-old Mindanao rebellion had significant gains and in the right direction.
To air their grievances, a 15,000-strong protest-rally are being readied by oppositionists from Manila and other provinces to complain against President Arroyo's final State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“It’s all media-hype. I’m sure her decision will not change the situation in Mindanao. Undoubtedly, she is creating a situation that is favorable to her SONA," Political analyst Ramon Casiple, executive director of the non-government Institute for Political and Electoral Reform. GMANews.TV (07/23/09)
Many observers in the protracted peace process are cynical about the outcome of the conflict. The question of sincerity hangs. They see the same pattern of political maneuvers and hollow claims of peace gains that aren’t far from why the Israel-Palestinian problem has not been resolved for many decades. (Photo Credit: Manolet Santiago/ Malaya) =0=
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5 killed in Cotabato blast
Part of the bombings that caused renewed fear in various parts of Southern Philippines is the explosion which occurred on Sunday, July 5, 2009 rocking the nearby Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Cotabato, Mindanao.
A bomb detonated in a store close to the church claimed the life of 5 people and wounding about 45. The explosion which prompted people to flee inside the church coincided the morning mass that was being celebrated by Archbishop Orlando Quevedo.
“The bombing occurred 14 hours after an explosion rocked Barangay Poblacion in Datu Piang town in Maguindanao province, wounding three civilians.” Inquirer (07/06/09, 2009, Uy, J.)
No one accepted any responsibility for the blasts that Vatican's pontiff Pope Benedict XVI condemned. The holy father said nothing good could be achieved by hate and acts of violence. Col. Jonathan Ponce, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division of the military suspected the spate of treaths and bombing are workings of the militant elements of the MILF. (Photo Credit: Carlie Saceda) =0=
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8 killed in fresh fighting with Abu Sayyaf
At least 6 Abu Sayyaf rebels and two military troops died in a recent clash between the Islamic militants and government forces last Thurday, June 11, 2009 in Indanan, Jolo, Sulu. Four other soldiers were reportedly wounded during the encounter.
About 100 terrorists led by Abu Sayyaf Albader Parad clashed with the military in a planned combat operation which sought to rescue Italian Eugenio Vagni, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) humanitarian worker still being held hostage since January 15, 2009.
According to Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, the soldiers who suffered injuries and died were hit by sharpnels from booby traps set up by the militant bandits. (Photo Credit: Charlie Saceda) =0=
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Abu Sayyaf’s Italian hostage still languishes in captivity
""He was able to call his family in the morning of Friday 8 May. However, the entire situation is difficult for his loved ones, who of course remain very worried about him. We are keenly aware of the distress they are feeling…
It hurts to see people who respond to crisis with purely humanitarian intentions become the victims. We hope the kidnappers will heed our repeated appeals and release Eugenio safe and sound, without condition and without further delay."---ICRC Executive Alain Aeschlimann said. GMA TV News (05/08/09)
Reading about Eugenio Vagni, the Italian who is a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) who is still a captive of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, Jolo Philippines, makes people think how evil can be so indiscriminate and unfair. At 62, the innocent humanitarian worker suffers needlessly since he was captured while working to help communities there.
Suffering from medical problems, Vagni is held as a hostage by Al Qaeda-affiliated bandits since January 15, 2009. Two of his companions, Swiss Andreas Notter and Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba have been released. The ICRC, his family and the entire world are deeply worried that the efforts to gain his freedom are fruitless. Let us pray for Vagni’s safety and immediate release. (Photo Credit: Carlie Saceda)=0=
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Another ICRC hostage freed by Abu Sayyaf?
Jesus Versoza, director general of the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that Italian Eugenio Vagni, 62, the last International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worker being held by Abu Sayyaf has been released. He was kidnapped on January 15, 2009 along with Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba and Swiss Andreas Notter.Yet, no one knows where the exact location of Vagni is. A reward of P500,000 ($10,300) has been offered for information of his exact whereabouts. The kidnappers who disbanded into groups to elude rescuers are said to have left the ailing captive. Other kidnapped victims for ransom are being held in Basilan, Mindanao, including a Sri Lankan national and 8 Filipinos. (Photo Credit: Jager) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "9 hostages are still captives of Abu Sayyaf bandits Mindanao" Posted by mesiamd at 4/21/2009; "ICRC hostage crisis: Abu Sayyaf’s Swiss captive freed" Posted by mesiamd at 4/18/2009
UPDATE: April 24, 2009--- Subsequent reports indicate that Eugenio Vagni was not yet freed by his abductors. His whereabouts in the hinterlands of Sulu are not fully known.
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9 hostages are still captives of Abu Sayyaf bandits Mindanao
Philippine government forces intensified their search for Italian Eugenio Vagni, the remaining International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) humanitarian worker who is still under the clutches of Al-Qaeda-affiliated Abu Sayyaf kidnappers holed in the jungles of Jolo, Sulu, From the jungles of Mindanao, Vagni’s two companions Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba and Swiss Andreas Notter had been released from captivity in January 15, 2009.
Aside for Vagni, however there are other Mindanao hostages who escape the attention of the media, government and the Filipino people. In Basilan, there are nine kidnapped victims of the Islamic terrorists who need to be rescued. All of them are Filipinos except one who is a Sri Lankan citizen:
Hostages:
1. Umar Jaleel, Sri Lankan volunteer, Nonviolent Peaceforce, abducted February 13,
2009, Lamitan, Basilan
2. Rafael Mayonato, teacher, abducted January 23, 2009 in Landang Gua,
Zamboanga
3. Quizon Freires. teacher, abducted January 23, 2009 in Landang Gua,
Zambuanga
4. Janette de los Reyes, abducted January 23, 2009 in Landang Gua,
Zamboanga
5. Diokhing Que, store owner, abducted February 2, 2009, Jolo, Sulu.
6. Jocelyn Enriquez, teacher, abducted March 13, 2009, Naga, Zamboanga
Sibugay
7. Jocelyn Inion, teacher, abducted March 13, 2009, Naga, Zambuaonga
Sibugay
8. Noemi Mande, teacher, abducted March 13, 2009, Naga, Zamboanga,
Sibugay
9. Lea Patriz, NGO worker, Kinaiyahan Foundation, Lamitan, Basilan
All the above kidnapped victims are believed to be holed in Basilan by Abu Sayyaf bandits who demand ransom for their release. Earlier, ex-hostage Octavio Dimampo, a teacher in Mindanao asked why less effort is given to the Basilan hostages compared to the ICRC kidnapped victims in Sulu. Dimampo is right to be concerned of the other innocent hostages who deserve their freedom from the Muslim thugs. They are as notorious as their barbaric beheadings and inhumane treatment of human beings. (Photo Credit: Charlie Saceda) =0=
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Hostage negotiators in Mindanao can learn from the daring rescue of ship captain from Somali pirates
There are lessons to be learned from the rescue of Richard Phillips, the brave captain of the container ship Maersk Alabama, who was taken hostage by pirates in lifeboat drifting in the Indian Ocean during a five-day standoff of ransom extortion.
With the approval of Pres. Barack Obama, three Somali pirates watching Phillips were killed and one was captured last Sunday, April 12, 2009, during the rescue by the US navy sharpshooters. The pirates who tied the ship captain demanded $2 million for the release of the 53 year old Vermont native, one among 200 or more hostages still being held captives by pirates from a dozen ships in the coast of Somalia. Among the hostages had been Filipino seafarers.
As the angry pirates vow to avenge the slay of their companions, Pres. Obama calls for a concerted effort to stop piracy, seeking cooperation among nations. The continuing pirate activity in the Somali Coast revives the call to arm ship crews in commercial vessels.
“Somali officials said piracy started about 10 to 15 years ago as a response to illegal fishing. The country's tuna-rich waters were plundered by commercial fishing fleets soon after its government collapsed in 1991. Somali fishermen turned into armed vigilantes, confronting fishing boats and demanding they pay a tax. In 2008, more than 120 pirate attacks occurred in the Gulf of Aden, far more than in any other year in recent memory. Experts said the Somali pirates netted more than $100 million, an astronomical sum for a war-racked country whose economy is in tatters.”----Piracy at Sea, New York Times (04/13/09 )
The successful rescue of Phillips by intrepid US Navy Seals proves that a carefully planned and executed rescue is a viable option when the life of the hostage is in imminent danger and all negotiations to gain freedom fail.
Unsolved ICRC Hostage Crisis in the Philippines
Rescue operation becomes pressing in kidnapping situations in the Philippines as well. To date, two International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) workers are still being held in the hinterlands of Jolo Sulu. In Lamitan, Basilan, suspected members of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) beheaded one of two hostages they took during a raid in a Christian village and killed another civilian who crossed their path.
Abducted and held at gunpoint since January 2009, 62 year-old Italian Eugenio Vagni and 38 year-old Swiss Andreas Notter remain as captives of the notorious Abu Sayyaf who are reportedly demanding a $5 million for their release. The ICRC and the Philippine government still keep their no-ransom policy in dealing with these Muslim bandits.
Since their abduction in January 2009 by the notorious Al-Qaeda affiliated group, only Mary Jane Lacaba, another ICRC was released. The US embassy in Manila expressed willingness to help solve the hostage crisis, but military and government leaders feel they can solve the protracted standoff on their own. As the captivity of the humanitarian workers drag on, the risk of them being harmed or killed grows. Without paying a ransom, pretty soon authorities need to decide what to do in order to free the victims.(Photo Credit: Reuters/ Phillips family) =0=
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Abu Sayyaf extremists warn of beheading ICRC captives
After two months of holding the three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) workers in the mountains of Jolo, Sulu, the kidnappers headed by Albader Parad of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group demanded that military, police and civilian forces must leave 15 barangays in five towns in Sulu within 24 hours. The new demand came after three military men died and 19 others were wounded last week in a skirmish between government forces and members of the Islamic extremists.
There are fresh worries that Swiss Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni, and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba----the three humanitarian workers snatched by the kidnappers, last January 15, 2009 in Mindanao will be harmed or killed. According to Sulu vice gov. Lady Ann Sahidulla, one of the negotiators said the terrorist group is serious in its threat to decapitate one of the hostages.
The appeal of the ICRC to spare and free the hostages have fallen in deaf ears. With little that it can do, government forces are weighing in on how to resolve the hostage situation which drags on, putting the hostages' fate in greater danger.
The Abu Sayyaf has a disdainful history of beheading its innocent victims as in case of Peruvian-American Guillermo Sobero who was snatched together with 20 others in a Palawan resort before being killed 8 years ago.
Martin Burnham, a missionary died under Abu Sayyaf hands in a deadly shootout after being held in captivity for more than a year with his wife Gracia. In the past, this violent Islamic group with Al Qaeda ties is known to seek ransom that runs in millions. (Photo Credit: Charlie Saceda) =0=
Pope Appeals for the release of hostages
On March 31, 2009, the Vatican issued an appeal from Pope Benedict to set free the innocent ICRC hostages. The pontiff calls for "humanitarian sensibililty and reason to prevail over violence and intimidation." His message was sent by the Holy See as the 2 P. M. deadline to comply with the kidnappers' demand that the military and police pull back from Jolo draws near.
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Fighting between government troops versus Abu Sayyaf kidnappers brings 6 dead
After unsuccessful negotiations to free the three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC,) humanitarian workers who were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, Philippines, a firefight erupted between the rebels and government forces bringing death to at least 3 kidnappers and 3 military men and hurting at least 19 soldiers. Albader Parad, the leader of the notorious kidnappers with links to Al-Qaeda was suspected to have been wounded in the gunfight.
The bloody encountry was sparked by armed Abu Sayyaf bandits who tried to cross the cordon set in the area by government forces.
Airing concern that the hostages--- Swiss Andreas Notter, Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba and Italian Eugenio Vagni must not be harmed, the head of ICRC Southeast Asia-Pacific operations Alain Aeschlimann said, “"Their safety is paramount. We repeat our call that no action should be taken that could put (their lives) in danger,"----Yahoo News/ AP (03/17/09, Gomez, J)
The kidnapped victims have been held since January 2009 by the Islamic extremists who seek the withdrawal of government troops from the area and insinuate on a payment of P50 million ransom. =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Abu Sayyaf kidnappers asks for P50 milllion ransom for ICRC workers" Posted by mesiamd at 3/12/2009
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Abu Sayyaf kidnappers asks for P50 million ransom for ICRC workers
The notorious terror group Abu Sayyaf has finally demanded P50 million ransom as a condition to release the three humanitarian workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC.) This is according to Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema.
Many did not believe the earlier denials that all the Mindanao extremists wanted was for the military to pull out from their area of operation. As in the past, the public expects this group to ask for ransom. Two months after Swiss Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni, and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba were abducted and held hostage in the hinterlands of Jolo, Sulu, the terror group has finally been reported to be asking for ransom which the ICRC rejected.
The reason for the rejection is clear. It rewards acts of banditry. It encourages more kidnappings. Leaving the problem's resolution to the local crisis negotiators, the government has three options----ignore the demand and not to do anything, forcibly rescue the hostages, or pay the ransom. (Photo Credit: AFP/ ICRC file) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Three kidnapped Red Cross workers still missing in Mindanao" Posted by mesiamd at 1/21/2009
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After a protracted news blackout, an announcement that the Army is ready to storm the kidnappers’ lair?
Since the three (3) International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) humanitarian workers where snatched in Jolo, Sulu by Muslim extremists, the Philippine military was clear in saying they were keeping a news black out to ensure that the kidnapped victims would not be harmed. Government officials thought of the safety of the abducted workers on the hands of their captors. They made the people understand the delicate balance they had to do in securing the freedom of the abducted civilians. Undoubtedly, the victims' families and the ICRC officials understood the wisdom of keeping quiet. Giving ransom wasn't part of the plan.
“The ICRC staff -- Andreas Notter of Switzerland, Eugenio Vagni of Italy and Filipina Mary-Jean Lacaba -- were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf extremists on January 15… Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Torres on Monday said the kidnappers had not made any "clear demands" although previous Abu Sayyaf kidnappings involved millions of dollars in ransom. "We are keeping the pressure in the area but we have not yet conducted an actual rescue," Torres told reporters. "Our troops are there but there has not been any assault. They are on standby."----Inquirer/AFP (03/02/09)
After more than a month of silent negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf terrorists, Agence France-Presse (03/02/09) reported that the military is surrounding the positions of the Islamic militants in preparation for a rescue as told by Pres. spokesman Cerge Remonde in Malacanang. Troops are said to be getting ready to confront the kidnappers who are believed to have ties with the notorious Jemaah Islamiya (JI), a Moslem terrorist group operating in neighboring Indonesia.
Perhaps, exasperated by the kidnappers’ demand that the military must pull out of the area, Malacanang and the army have a change of mind. The captives have sent word of their suffering in the hinterlands of Mindanao. But why will the government and its military announce to the whole world that they are planning an attack? Are they planting confusing leads? Is it the most logical thing to do? Are they sure they have learned from the lessons of the past where a forcible rescue and too much talk led to the deaths of the kidnapped victims? Go figure. Announcing plans to the terrorists may not the best thing to do. (Photo Credit: Alvin Chan)=0=
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Muslim religious leaders must also seek the release of Red Cross workers
Islamic religious leaders have climbed the mountains of Sampinit in Mindanao to seek the freedom of Umar Jaleel, a peaceworker from Sri Lanka who was abducted by nine armed men believed to be part of the notorious Abu Sayaff group led by Puruji Indama. “Because the victim is also a Muslim preacher, the Muslim religious leaders went to the mountains to negotiate for his release,” according to the member of the group trying to solve the crisis." ---Philstar (02/25, 09, Pareno, R)
Basilan Vice Gov. Al Rasheed Sakalahul who heads the provincial crisis management committee says Ulamas who believe hostage-taking is against Islam are out to seek the release of Jaleel, a Muslim.
If kidnapping is against their beliefs, these religious leaders must work for the freedom of other innocent victims---like Swiss Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba, the three International Committee of the Red Cross(ICRC) humanitarian workers being held in Sulu, Mindanao since they were forcibly snatched in January 15, 2009. At the time of kidnapping they were doing charity work for prisoners in the area. (Photo Credit: AmUnivers) =0=
UPDATE:“Please tell them, if possible, if they can, to quicken the process. It has become very hard and truly painful. Physically and emotionally, it’s really very, very hard,” said Mary Jean Lacaba, the Filipino captive in the ICRC kidnapping said in a phone interview last Feb 25, 2009.---PDI (02/28/09, de la Cruz, A)
RELATED BLOG: "Three kidnapped Red Cross workers still missing in Mindanao" Posted by mesiamd at 1/21/2009
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