AFP apologizes to Sulu execs over snatched Germans’ release

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. apologized yesterday to Sulu local executives for the military’s failure to keep them abreast of events leading to the release of kidnapped Germans Stefan Viktor Okonek and Henrike Dielen.

In a text message, Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the “misunderstanding” was settled after Catapang met with the local executives in Jolo yesterday morning.

“Everything was sorted out and resolved here during the meeting of the (chief of staff) and the people of Sulu at 10 a.m.,” he said. “(The chief of staff said) sorry for the misunderstanding. They were satisfied by the result and by the chief of staff’s gesture.” 

In a statement, Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan II said the military had kept the provincial Special Action Committee (SAC) “in the dark” on the events leading to the “rescue.”

“We were not informed that the hostages were already rescued, it was only through media reports that we became aware that they were already rescued Friday night and in the custody of the armed forces,” read the statement.

The SAC’s mandate had been set aside, Tan said.

The Sulu Provincial Peace and Order Council had formed the SAC to oversee all law enforcement operations against the kidnappers of the two Germans.

Tan led the SAC, which was comprised of military, police and civilian representatives.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Sulu provincial government said: “Allegations of the military compounding the peace and order situation in Sulu have been floating for decades. The utter disregard, in this case, of civilian authority and involvement in the recent German hostage situation will not help their cause one bit in the people’s mind.”

Ceasefire

Catapang said the military may declare a ceasefire with the Abu Sayyaf if the terrorists free their 10 remaining hostages.

“That is possible but they need to release all hostages first,” he said. Catapang was answering a question from a teacher about the possibility of a ceasefire.

“The lives of these people are being put to waste,” he said. “Let us help them change,” referring to Abu Sayyaf fighters.

Catapang visited the Sulu provincial capitol yesterday to discuss security issues with local stakeholders.

Fifteen Sulu mayors, including Jolo Mayor Hussin Amin, attended the consultative meeting.

Catapang told them military commanders would visit local officials to seek ways to deal with community problems.

“We will help identify development projects and other social interventions that will address directly the problems,” he said.

Ransom

Following the Abu Sayyaf’s claim of having received P250 million, Sulu local government officials have called for an independent investigation on the alleged ransom of Okonek and Dielen.

They fear  the payment of ransom has placed Sulu at the mercy of the Abu Sayyaf.

In a phone interview, Mayor Amin said he told Catapang that the Armed Forces must clarify the reason behind the sudden release of the two Germans on Oct. 17, the deadline for the Abu Sayyaf ultimatum to behead Okonek if P250 million was not paid.

“I told General Catapang to investigate the matter,” he said.

“We in Jolo are afraid because if there was really payment of ransom they are making the Abu Sayyaf terrorism unabating and uncontrollable and even relentless because they can buy anything they want, including high-powered firearms,” he said.

Officials of Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) tried to cover up the reason reporters invited for the trip were suddenly bumped off after they learned of the reported planned rally of civil society groups. – With Roel Pareño