Siazon 'exasperated' with Dutch gov't position on Red leaders

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) lashed out at the Dutch government again yesterday for tolerating the presence of Jose Ma. Sison and other Filipino communist rebel leaders in the Netherlands, saying it was unlikely for a friendly country to keep people causing unrest in another friendly nation.

"I'm exasperated with the attitude of the Dutch government," said Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr.

Siazon was referring to the Netherlands' position regarding the government's request to expel Sison, Luis Jalandoni and Fidel Agcaoili for conducting terrorist acts against the Philippines from that country.

The Hague said it could only take legal steps against the Filipino communist leaders when there was clear indication of a breach of Dutch law. It asked for further material to substantiate the request.

"If I have to decide on a similar case, I would not (do it the same way) as the Dutch government. I will order the (rebel leaders') arrest," Siazon said.

In an earlier interview, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Lauro Baja Jr. said the Netherlands should not be asking for more evidence from the Philippine government against the rebel leaders, especially Sison.

Baja said the Netherlands, as a friendly nation, should have considered the mere note verbale sent by the DFA regarding Sison's offenses against the Philippine government.

He bewailed that the Dutch government has been sitting on the Philippines' request.

Since the Netherlands has a strong human rights advocacy, DFA officials said the Dutch government will not move even if they monitor Sison and Jalandoni giving instructions to communist rebels on television.

Meanwhile, Siazon clarified he was not exasperated with the National Security Council (NSC) as earlier reported, for failing to present in the past six months evidence that will support the government's request with the Netherlands.

"We're still waiting for more evidence from the NSC. We have to make sure that our case is strong," he said.