GMA: No talks with Abu leader

President Arroyo reiterated yesterday the government’s no-negotiations policy with the Abu Sayyaf even as one of the bandit group’s most wanted leaders offered to surrender.

The President’s firm stand came amidst talks that Abu Sayyaf commander Hamsiraji Sali has been conducting surrender talks with military emissaries in Basilan.

Sali, alias Commander Jose Ramirez, carries a $1-million bounty on his head if captured, dead or alive. The US government put up the reward in connection with his involvement in the kidnapping of American nationals Guillermo Sobero and missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham in May last year.

Mrs. Arroyo clarified that while her administration also tags the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CCP-NPA) as a terrorist organization, she was referring to the Abu Sayyaf when she outlined her no-negotiations policy.

"Let’s put it this way," she firmly said, "when we said that we don’t negotiate with terrorists, we are talking here about the Abu Sayyaf."

The government maintains an open line of communication with the CPP-NPA through back-door channel talks. But formal talks have been in limbo for well over a year ever since the assassination by communist hit men of a congressman in June 2001. –Marichu Villanueva