‘Robot can’t turn state witness’

Abu Sayyaf leader Ghalib Andang cannot turn state witness against his co-accused in the multiple cases of kidnapping and rebellion filed against him by the government, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said yesterday.

Chief Prosecutor Jovencito Zuño said only on a case-to-case basis can Andang, known as Commander Robot, turn state witness.

"We will evaluate. We really have to evaluate and be extremely cautious because he might turn out to be the most guilty… being a leader of the bandit group," Zuño said.

In the case of the rebellion charges filed against former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari, Andang may be tapped to become witness since he is not the primary accused.

However, in cases involving kidnap-for-ransom, Zuño said it may not be possible for Andang to become state witness, which would entitle him and his family to privileges under the Witness Protection Program, and even exonerate him from the charges.

"Ang labo (It’s unclear)," the chief prosecutor said, adding there is actually no formal request yet regarding Andang’s intention to turn state witness.

Andang has pleaded not guilty to charges of rebellion in his arraignment last month, and denied masterminding the high-profile kidnapping of foreign tourists in 2000.

The bandit leader argued he wanted to turn state witness, saying he merely acted as facilitator for kidnap victims of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf.

Andang was among those charged two years ago for his alleged involvement in a short-lived rebellion by Muslim rebels, allegedly led by Misuari, against government forces on Jolo island. The uprising, which left over 100 people dead, was put down in two days.

Andang was wounded and captured in an encounter with the military in Jolo last December.

He gained prominence during the abduction of 21 tourists and resort workers from Malaysia’s Sipadan island in April 2000.

The hostages were released after months in captivity, reportedly in exchange for millions of dollars in ransom paid by Libya.

The Abu Sayyaf, which claims to be fighting for an independent Islamic state, is notorious for kidnappings and beheading hostages as well as bombings for more than a decade.