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By William B. Depasupil, Reporter
The Justice secretary said the government is
open to negotiating with the Abu Sayyaf leader, Commander Radulan
Sahiron, and is willing to grant some of his demands for surrender.
Sahiron, who has a $5-million price tag on his
head, had earlier written to Secretary Raul Gonzalez expressing his
intention, along with some of his followers, to surrender. But in
exchange, he gave four demands—payment for their firearms,
livelihood assistance, some form of amnesty and legal immunity.
Payment to rebels and granting them livelihood
are not new, the secretary said. “These requests are very easy for
the government to act on, as it has previously been done to New
People’s Army members.” The New People’s Army is the military
wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Amnesty and immunity are not easy to grant,
however, as they involve legal issues, Gonzalez explained.
The secretary earlier disclosed that he received
Sahiron’s “negotiation letter” about three weeks ago, adding
that it was followed up days later by a visit of an “unnamed
emissary.”
He said he has already informed the President
about Sahiron’s letter. He was told to be cautious in dealing with
a terrorist group and to negotiate “with one person capable of
speaking for the entire group, not with factions.” The Abu Sayyaf
is linked with the international terrorist group al-Qaeda.
The Justice department is now analyzing
Sahiron’s letter and surrender feelers.
Gonzalez added that it is government policy to
always negotiate from a position of strength. “It’s the
government who will set up conditions, if there are any,” he said,
adding that Sulu Rep. Yusuf Yakiri is assisting in the negotiation
process.
Gonzalez said he is willing to give Sahiron a
safe-conduct pass if he is willing to have a face-to-face meeting
with the Justice secretary.
Sahiron, 70, took command of the Abu Sayyaf
Group following the death of Khadaffy Janjalani in September 2006.
The aging leader is reportedly widely respected by international
terrorist groups, but security analysts doubt his ability to lead
because of his failing health.
Sahiron is one of the most wanted criminals in
the Philippines. He lost his right hand fighting security forces in
the 1970s.
The Abu Sayyaf has been tagged in the kidnapping
of television reporter Ces Oreńa-Drilon, her cameramen and their
guide. They remain hostages with another group of Abu Sayyaf
militants.
Gonzalez had said earlier he does not believe
Sahiron’s message is connected with the kidnapping.
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