Amnesty for Abu Sayyaf group? Foolish Idea

Is Senator Richard Gordon on his right mind? He is proposing for an amnesty option for the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. Senator Gordon is just giving a wrong message that those behind abductions, beheadings, and other crimes can get away with it, just wait for an amnesty.

The Abu Sayyaf are groups with no political organization. They only engaged with criminality.

Would you give amnesty to the Abu Sayyaf group who are definitely a terrorist, murderer, arsonist, extortionist, kidnappers, bombers and capable of doing other vicious crimes?

Granting an amnesty will never guarantee a peaceful Mindanao or a safe Philippines.

It will just encourage other criminal groups to pretend as a group with political belief and continue the industry of kidnapping and other criminal acts. They will just probably wait for an amnesty once again from the government to escape prosecution.

What will happen to the victims and their families who are still seeking justice?

Giving amnesty to Abu Sayyaf is a very foolish idea. Senator Gordon must clear his mind and judgment.

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Eugenio Vagni finally breathe the air of freedom

Thank God! The last Red Cross volunteer who was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf group is finally released. Almost six months of captivity, Italian volunteer Eugenio Vagni finally breathe the air of freedom.

It is still unclear if there's ransom involved or the good timing of the recent arrest of six suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf, including two of the wives of Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad has help to build a new plan for Vagni's released.

It seems the government use the wives of Parad as a bargaining chip for the release of Vagni.

With this development, the Philippine government must minimize the movement of the terrorist group and finally eradicate the bandits.

[photo courtesy of AP Photo/Nickee Butlangan]

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Stop kidnapping by the Abu Sayyaf with a strict no-ransom policy

The kidnapping in the Philippines especially in the island provinces of Sulu and Basilan is a lucrative source of funds for criminal bandits like the Abu Sayyaf.

The no-ransom policy must be follow because people or groups that will give in to these criminals will just encourge them to continue this kind of industry.

The funny thing is, some people is using the word "board and lodging fee” for the exchange for the release of captives. For we all know that is an another word for Ransom money. Who are they fooling?

Right now many are doubting on the recent release of Red Cross volunteer Mary Jean Lacaba. Many feels that ransom was paid in exchange for her freedom. It is now reported that $5-million ransom money is the latest demand of the Abu Sayyaf Group for the two remaining foreign Red Cross volunteers (Italian Eugenio Vagni and Swiss national Andreas Notter).

If a ransom was paid, it will just allow these criminals to get away with the money and their crime. Abu Sayyaf are the kind of criminal groups that has no true ideology.

Some politician must stop meddling with the negotiation and military operation. Making some unauthorized backdoor negotiations will just make it worst. Some politician must also stop using the media in threatening the government.

Some people will says that any possible ways for the safe release for the captives must be use but the best action to stop this kidnapping industry is the strict no-ransom policy and pressure from the authorities.

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