GMA wants end to Abu collusion allegations

Put on a lid on this.

President Arroyo wants a "formal closure" to persistent allegations of collusion between the military and the Abu Sayyaf bandits as claimed anew on the book written by former hostage Gracia Burnham, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said yesterday.

"Really, our President would like a formal closure to this and should not be left hanging in the air," Bunye said.

Bunye emphasized it was Mrs. Arroyo’s desire to put an end to such allegations as detailed in Mrs. Burnham’s book "In The Presence Of My Enemies" which detailed her 377-day ordeal in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf.

"Because it is really important that we clear the air, to get the best explanations to all of the situations. It will clear the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and a lot of other things. So there will really be a formal closure," Bunye said.

Even after the US Embassy in Manila relayed a statement of clarification from Mrs. Burnham clearing the AFP, Bunye said Mrs. Arroyo would want a formal end of these investigations by the Philippine government.

The New Tribes Mission (NTM), where the Burnhams worked as missionaries, also issued a statement on its website by saying it takes no position on the issue.

"NTM Philippines does not take political positions. Statements made in Gracia’s book represent her individual observations and do not speak for New Tribes Mission as an organization," the NTM said.

Despite the clarification from Burnham herself, the military said it took a beating.

"We have taken a beating, unfairly I would say from media. It is over the hype and undue attention that the media gave the report that (collusion) was without basis," said AFP spokesman Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Garcia.

Garcia said "the military has been damaged and affected" by accusations of collusion.

"We are left to pick the pieces after the damage has been done," he said.

President Arroyo earlier ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make arrangements with US authorities for a "formal and thorough investigation" over the issue of collusion and take legal actions.

Although admitting he has yet to read Burnham’s book, Bunye said the author revived the same allegations against the AFP, but admitting her claims were based on second hand information.

"But it really appears from the statements of Gracia Burnham about the Abu Sayyaf, what she said were all hearsays," Bunye said. – Marichu Villanueva