Showing posts with label hostages. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hostages. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Barbaric beheading of a school principal in Patikul, Sulu

11/10/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


A 36-year old elementary school principal was beheaded by unidentified men who accosted him while riding a small bus in the town of Patikul, Sulu. Gabriel Canizares’ barbarically severed head was thrown in a gas station by men in motorcycles believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf, the notorious band of bandits that operates in Mindanao. Five hours after, his mutilated body was dumped near a military camp in Patikul, Sulu.

It was reported that before Canizares’ abduction on October 20, 2009, he was threatened by death threats. His family said, the victim and his relatives couldn’t pay the P2 million ransom demanded by his captors.

Teachers who knew the murdered principal were angry, distraught, and fearful over the death of their colleague. Those who were working to rescue the educator had shifted to arresting those responsible.

Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo ordered an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators of the crime which had been widely condemned by Jolo residents. It was theorized that Canizares' murder was connected with the abduction of Columban missionary Fr. Michael Sinnot in Pagadian City who at present had not been found. With the Moro Liberation Front (MILF,) among the suspects, the 79-year old Catholic priest was asked to pay $2 million ransom---a demand that was repudiated by the government and the Columban Missionary community the sickly humanitarian worker belongs.

Over the weekend, authorities took custody of an MILF commander. Canizares' beheading could have been a retaliation, according to Philippine National Police chief Jesus Verzosa. Intelligence reports indicated that the arrested MILF commander identified as Asnawie Addan Salah, had knowledge and contact with the Al-Qaeda affiliated Abu Sayyaf Group who kidnapped the principal of Kanagi Elementary School.

The persistent lawlessness in Southern Philippines of Islamic radicals has appalled peace-loving Filipinos. The beheading of innocent individuals is a horrible degeneration down the path of barbarism that must be condemned. It’s despicable to know that debased human beings have to resort to desecrate bodies of fellow human beings. (Photo Credit: Charlie Saceda) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon 200 MILF negotiators for the release of Fr. Sinnott?

11/04/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
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PostHeaderIcon $2 million ransom demanded for Fr. Sinnott’s release

11/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


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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PostHeaderIcon Italian hostage Eugenio Vagni released by Mindanao Abu Sayyaf Bandits

7/14/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


After months of captivity, the International Red Cross Committee (ICRC) volunteer who was abducted in January while assisting the setting up water supply in Jolo, Sulu was finally released. Eugenio Vagni, 62 year- old Italian, the last of the group of hostages taken forcibly by Abu Sayyaf under bandit Al Bader Parad through months of negotiation, intimidation, and coercion.

It was through the two wives of bandit-leader Parad namely Simang Annudin and Rowena Aksan and facilitation by Sulu Vice Gov. Ann Sahidulla. On July 12, 2009 in Maimbung, Jolo, Mindanao, the captors decided to release the Italian captive who was the companion of earlier-freed Swiss kidnap victim Andreas Notter and Filipina Mary Jane Lacaba.

Vagni, tired after the grueling 6-months captivity took rest prior to medical check-up as he prepared to return to Italy with wife Khawanrufan and two daughters Leticia and Norison.

It was assumed that Parad’s group had custody of Vagni, but it was the group headed by Yasser Igasan who freed the hostage. An “Islamic scholar not linked with ICRC abduction,” Ignasan, also Al-Qaeda-affiliated, had been thought to lead a subgroup of rebels replacing killed Islamic militant Khadaffy Janjalini.

Contrary to the no-ransom policy of the government, Sahidulla helped secure Vagni’s release by giving P50,000 worth of cigarettes. Yet, authorities were quick to defend the “goodwill’ gift as "acceptable" in dealing with the law-breakers.

As this developed, Sen Francis Escudero reminded the public of other hostages in Mindanao, particularly the 3 teachers Jocelyn Enriquez, Jocelyn Inion and Noemi Mandi of Bangkaw-Bangkaw Elementary School who were snatched last March 13, 2009 in Naga, Zamboanga Zibugay after their work. One of them, Mandi, was unconfirmed to have died while waiting for a rescue. (Photo Credit: AP/ Al Jacinto) =0=

UPDATE: July 15, 2009---Eugenio Vagni appealed to the Abu Sayyaf militants to abandon their outlawed life and live a normal life. Asked if he wanted to still work in the Philippines, he said its up to ICRC to decide. In the meantime, Vagni was preparing to leave the country, probably to his homeland, Italy.

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PostHeaderIcon 8 killed in fresh fighting with Abu Sayyaf

6/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


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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PostHeaderIcon Sri Lankan hostage freed, but Italian ICRC humanitarian worker still under Abu Sayyaf hands

6/04/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


After 3 months in captivity in Basilan, Omar Jaleel, the 36 year-old Sri Lankan community worker affiliated with the non partisan group Nonviolent Peaceforce was released by Abu Sayyaf bandits.

However, the ailing Eugenio Vagni, the Italian humanitarian worker of the International Committee of the Red Cross snatched last January 15, 2009 is still being held by the same group of militants in the hinterlands of Jolo, Sulu. In spite of a reward money of P500,000 for information about his location, nobody is sure of his whereabouts. His companions Swiss Adreas Notter and Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba have been set free.

The Abu Sayyaf is a notorious Islamic group of about 400 fighters with links to Al Qaeda which abducts innocent civilians to raise funds. The government says the bandits collected about $1.5 million as ransom money from victims last year. (Photo Credit: Sheltercrow) =0=

RELATED BLOGS: "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

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PostHeaderIcon Abu Sayyaf’s Italian hostage still languishes in captivity

5/09/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


""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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PostHeaderIcon Another ICRC hostage freed by Abu Sayyaf?

4/23/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
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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PostHeaderIcon 9 hostages are still captives of Abu Sayyaf bandits Mindanao

4/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


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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PostHeaderIcon ICRC hostage crisis: Abu Sayyaf’s Swiss captive freed

4/18/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post



A sketchy report from Jolo, Sulu disclosed that International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worker, Andreas Notter, a Swiss national had been freed by Abu Sayyaf bandits who held him captive in Mindanao, Philippines since January 15, 2009.

Along with Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba, Notter is the second of three ICRC hostages to be freed. Abandoned by his captors in Indanan town, the humanitarian worker arrived at the house of Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan on Friday, April 17, 2009, according to Col. Edgard Arevalo, the spokesman of Task Force ICRC.

The details of the release are not yet known. This happy development leaves only Eugenio Vagni, an Italian citizen as the only hostage being held by the dreaded extremists who are linked with the terrorist Al-Qaeda group. It is uncertain whether the $5 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers headed by Albader Parad had been paid. (Photo Credits: Inquirer: AFP/ ICRC) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon ICRC worker Mary Jean Lacaba freed by Abu Sayyaf bandits

4/03/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


After 78 days in captivity, Filipina hostage Mary Jean Lacaba has been freed by the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers. The fates of two of her companions, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) humanitarian workers Andreas Notter of Switzerland and Eugenio Vagni of Italy are not known.

Though Alain Aeschlimann, regional operations chief for the ICRC, disclosed he doesn’t have information on the condition of the two other hostages, Foreign Minister of Italy Franco Frattini was reported to have said the two hostages are alive.

Thirty-seven year old Lacaba who endured the hostage ordeal since her abduction on January 15, 2009 was abandoned by the Islamic extremists on April 2, 2009. The ICRC worker was fetched in Barangay Palig in the border of Indanan and Parang at about 7 P.M. and was brought to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.

The release of Lacaba comes when government authorities prepare to evacuate an estimated 21,000 residents who may be caught in a crossfire if confrontations between the bandits and the military forces occur. (Photo Credit: AFP/ ICRC) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Life on a balance: hostages can’t rely on the government for help?

4/02/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


For more than two months , Filipinos were asked to wait for the rescue of the three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) workers, but it appears nothing tangible has come out of the attempts to free the hostages

Ramon Casiple, director of the Institute for Political and Economic Reform says the government is handling the hostage crisis badly. He speaks of “bumbling” and the lack of cohesive plan to rescue the hostages that even the military admits.

“A disgusted Marines officer hit the government for its alleged weakness in handling the hostage crisis and choosing negotiations over the military option. He said the military stands to get the blame if something bad happens to the hostages.”---Malaya (04/02/09, Reyes, V)

After a skirmish that claimed the life of 3 soldiers and wounded 19 more, the rescue of Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba, Swiss Andreas Notter, and Italian Eugenio Vagni from the hideous Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf bandits have met a perilous impasse. No reliable word about their fates are known after the deadline on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. The Abu Sayyaf extremists’ demand that government military personnel leave the area has not been met.

Now, it is a fearful wait and see. Filipinos are told the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) soldiers are cordoning the forest where the hostages and their kidnappers are holed. Is it a preparation to attack the Abu Sayyaf’s position and free the hostages?

Those who know what transpired in the deaths of hostages Guillermo Sobero, Deborah Yap, and Martin Burnham can only hope for the best. The innocent humanitarian ICRC workers don’t merit the inhuman treatment from Abu Sayyaf. So too are the unnamed captives who languish in the bandit's lair. The government rescue plan, branded as inutile, must do better to save them. (Photo Credit: Charlie Saceda x 2) =0=



UPDATE: Apri 2, 2009 reports suggest that the kidnappers have abandoned their position and splintered into groups in anticipation for a rescue operation. The condition of the three ICRC kidnapped victims are so far unknown.

RELATED BLOGS: "Abu Sayyaf extremists warn of beheading ICRC captives" Posted by mesiamd at 3/31/2009; "Hostage takers now demand $10 million ransom" Posted by mesiamd at 2/09/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Abu Sayyaf extremists warn of beheading ICRC captives

3/31/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


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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PostHeaderIcon Abu Sayyaf kidnappers asks for P50 million ransom for ICRC workers

3/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

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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PostHeaderIcon Muslim religious leaders must also seek the release of Red Cross workers

2/26/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
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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PostHeaderIcon Hostage takers now demand $10 million ransom

2/09/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
The modus operandi of the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers has unraveled just as expected. After three weeks of holding workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)--- Italian Eugenio Vagni, Swiss Adreas Notter and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba, Abu Sayyaf through the Moro Islamic Libration Front (MILF) has stopped treating them as “guests.”

Just as expected, Albader Parad, leader of the notorious Abu Sayyaf kidnappers announced they are demanding $10 million ransom for the three innocent human beings who were there on a humanitarian work to benefit the Sulu prisoners. This extortion demand is more despicable when these criminals say, as in the past, the money is for the hostages’ “board and lodging” obligations.

This hideous development brings the kidnapping on a more difficult plane. Advocating a news blackout, the military has been so far helpless. The ICRC follows a no ransom policy in dealing with criminal elements. In line with the no-negotiation-no ransom policy of the government, the ICRC joins religious, student and community groups in denouncing the abductions and demand the release of the victims.

Kidnapping has been an anathema against peace and progress in the Southern Philippines where the Muslims are concentrated. Barbarism which masquerades as an opportunity to drum up sympathy for the Muslims only send in the message of lawlessness and lack of moral values of Islamic extemists. Hostage-taking has been a source of shame for the government and the Filipino people. (Photo Credit: AP/ Favila, A) =0=

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