Vigilantes must coordinate with AFP, PNP

Authorities clarified yesterday they are not encouraging vigilantism, and that any group planning to pursue the Abu Sayyaf will have to coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

This developed as the military began roping in armed groups lured by a P100-million bounty to track down Abu Sayyaf bandits holding 20 hostages seized from a Palawan resort at dawn last Sunday.

In a radio interview, AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan said coordination was necessary to ensure proper supervision of armed civilian groups and to avoid accidental clashes with go-vernment forces.

Malacañang clarified yesterday that there was never any mention of vigilantes in connection with the military’s rescue operations.

"General Adan never used the word ‘vigilantes.’ What he said was that the military will not stop law-abiding citizens with properly authorized firearms from making a citizen’s arrest. We would like to clarify that this administration does not condone or encourage vigilantism," Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said.

Tiglao explained that the actual intent of Adan’s message was to encourage citizens to provide authorities with information leading to the arrest of the kidnappers.

Adan admitted that there are many private armed groups that can assist in going after the Abu Sayyaf.

"If they see an opportunity and they want to make a go for it, the government will not stop them," he said.

Adan pointed out that a person need only provide information leading to the capture to Abu Sayyaf members to collect the reward.

"They do not need to physically bring them in," he said.

Among the various private armed groups in Mindanao are former separatist rebels of the Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace agreement with the government in 1996.

"They are not enemies of the government. We know they exist and they do not fight the government. They are not rebels, and this is their chance to prove themselves," Adan said without giving specifics.

Also carrying potent numbers are the armed followers of political warlords.

Malacañang earlier said the Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), a militia group under the operational control of the AFP, has been mobilized and deployed to assist government troops.

The PNP said yesterday it will never allow armed civilian groups to interfere with its law-enforcement functions.

Reacting to the decision of the AFP to allow participation of armed groups, PNP chief Director General Leandro Mendoza said the police organization is capable of handling the crisis.

"Vigilante groups have no authority to take the law into their own hands," he said.

His views were shared by most Camp Crame-based officials, who are disappointed that the AFP had been designated as the lead agency in the hostage rescue operations.

"If given a chance, the PNP can handle this," said one official. "We have trained officers at our disposal who can negotiate or respond to terrorist activities."

DOJ chief opposes use of vigilantes

Justice Secretary Hernando Perez expressed opposition to the use of vigilantes, saying he prefers the use of government peace officers.

"Personally, I am not in favor of vigilantes. Tapping their services is an indication that our peace officers cannot accomplish a mission by themselves. But of course, if they are deputized, then that is a different matter," he said.

Former President Fidel Ramos said yesterday he was not in favor of the use of vigilantes in government operations against the Abu Sayyaf.

"Vigilantes are a double-edged weapon because they are not subject to the Articles of War and the disciplinary rules of the AFP," said Ramos, a former military chief of staff and defense secretary.

However, the former president was in favor of tapping the services of the Civilian Home Defense Forces (CHDF), an extension of the reserve forces.

"CHDF units are already established in Sulu and Basilan. By all means, they should be utilized," he said.

Meanwhile, a Church-based human rights organization warned Mrs. Arroyo against using civilians as pawns in pursuit operations against the Abu Sayyaf.

The Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (EMJP) said that while it approves of the government’s call to wipe out the bandits, they are adverse to the plan to use civilians as support personnel.

"This will lead to the rise in vigilantism and formation of paramilitary groups that could terrorize communities in the countryside," EMJP secretary general Dani Beltran said. – Marichu Villanueva, Jaime Laude, Rey Arquiza, Sandy Araneta.