AFP finds Red Cross kidnappers in Sulu, Basilan

MANILA, Philippines - Troops have contained in three separate areas in Sulu and Basilan the kidnappers of three Red Cross workers, three teachers and a Sri Lankan peace advocate to pressure them into releasing their captives.

However, Armed Forces chief Gen. Alexander Yano said government forces are trying to avoid armed engagements with the kidnappers to ensure the safety of the hostages.

“We still maintain pressure, we have contained them in the same area, but of course our actions will be dependent on the developing situation and the Task Force ICRC,” he said.

“We are still allowing peaceful options to continue so, in deference to any recommendation of the interagency body, we are just maintaining enough pressure to allow peaceful means to continue.”

In response to the military pressure, the kidnappers of the three Red Cross workers have resorted to various kidnappings as a diversionary tactic, according to Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.

“They’re trying to conduct diversionary kidnapping, but the no ransom policy still goes and we will better our efforts at preventing these kidnappings,” he said.

Yano said the change in military strategy does not warrant the deployment of additional troops or the realignment of forces in the areas where the kidnappers are believed to be hiding.

“We don’t see any need for it, just that we’ll be dealing with them as plain criminals because as what they have done (are) criminal acts which are devoid of any political or ideological cause,” he said.

“We will be dealing with them as criminal elements. What we are doing is law enforcement, although we have employed AFP troops, but definitely this is a law enforcement function in tandem with the Philippine National Police.”

AFP to develop Sulu

The military vowed yesterday to develop Sulu to isolate terrorists in the province.

Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban, anti-terror Joint Task Force Comet commander, said troops are focused on the security operation parallel to the development program.

“The gains we had established here must not be halted,” he said.

“We cannot allow terrorism to triumph and just let them destroy the people’s peaceful way of life.”

Sabban said the delivery of basic services to communities in Sulu has been the turning point in the campaign to win the hearts of the people.

“Because of these efforts, the people, especially those in far-flung barangays, felt the government’s care,” he said.

“Hence, local support has been very difficult to come by for ASG.”

Militia join hunt for kidnappers

Militiamen have joined the Marines in hunting down the nine kidnappers holding Sri Lankan peace advocate Umar Jaleel.

Commodore Alexander Pama, Naval Forces Western Mindanao and Fleet-Marine commander, said they are confirming information that Jaleel is already in the hands of Abu Sayyaf leader Puruji Indama.

Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar on Sunday already gave the military the go signal to conduct military rescue operations and run after the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, a local official said the kidnappers of Janette de los Reyes, Rafael Mayonado, and Freires Quizon are standing firm on their demand for a P6-million ransom for the freedom of the teachers. – James Mananghaya, Marvin Sy, Roel Pareño