MNLF planned to rescue Abu hostages?

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Fighters of the mainstream Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) attempted to attack Abu Sayyaf lairs following a standoff on the negotiation to free foreign and Filipino kidnap victims, a ranking security official disclosed.

However, the source disclosed the forces of MNLF leaders were prevailed upon by Muslim elders and religious leaders who requested to negotiate with and convince the Abu Sayyaf groups under Radullan Sahiron and Tahil to release their captives.

The source, who asked to be unindetified  because he is not authorized to speak on the matter, said the plan  to attack the militants’ hideout Wednesday night came as the Abu Sayyaf stood by its ransom demand.

An MNLF official, allied with Habier Malik, however, vehemently denied there was a plot to stage an attack, adding that the movements of its ground forces are intended to secure the victims when they are finally released.

At least five foreign captives are believed to be under the captivity of the Abu Sayyaf group, including Elwold Horn of Holland and Swiss Lorenzo Vinceguerre; Australian Warren Richard Rodwell, Jordanian Baker Atyani, and Hiroshima-born Toshio Ito alias Mamaito Katayama.

The group was also holding some Filipino captives, including Romelito Vela and Roland Letrico, both television crewmen of Atayani; Carlos Tee, a gas station owner and also employed with the Jolo airport.

A Sulu police officer also said they have not received any information of an attempt to attack the Abu Sayyaf lairs.

However, Sr. Supt. Antonio Freyra confirmed  that there was a stand off in the negotiation after attempts of the group of Malik to convince the Abu sayyaf group stalled for  still unknown reason.

He said the MNLF forces have remained on the ground.

The military in Sulu said they were also aware of the ongoing unilateral efforts of the MNLF in close coordination with the Sulu provincial government, police, military, and other law enforcement agencies to safely recover the victim, said Col. Rodrigo Gregorio, Spokesman of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

Gregorio said the effort to recover the victims believed to be held in the general areas of Patikul town was through persuasive dialogue with the abductors.

“The MNLF leadership was already reminded to adhere to the rule of law and principles of human rights to ensure the safety of the kidnap victims,” Gregorio said.