ASG should release all Red Cross Volunteers

Former MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari was, I think, twice repulsed in entering the Abu Sayyaf camp holding the International Red Cross volunteers.

Albader Parad, the leader of the ASG group, refused to recognize the authority of Misuari. Yet, earlier, Parad and the rest of the ASG leadership recognized an emissary from the Office of the Governor. Strange, is'nt?

One thing--Misuari's influence has waned since he compromised the position of the Bangsamoro People in relation to peace efforts there. His own people cut him off when he failed to make significant headway as chairman of the ARMM.

As Muslims, they should have at least gave Misuari some saving face measure by sending a note why they think Misuari should not be allowed to enter their camp.

This impasse is getting longer and getting confused as the ASG refused to negotiate. The negotiating panel should, I think, succumb to requests from the ASG to drive the military away from their main camp. That should, at least, be viewed as a good sign that the government side is willing to negotiate.

What is surprising in this one is the alleged absence of any ransom demands. What is the goal of the ASG? To squeeze enough media mileage and for what? To gain international status again? And for what?

Interestingly enough, the Lady Vice Governor was allowed inside the camp, but Misuari was not. That gives us some inkling how people there in Jolo think about politics, or how they think about all of these caper.

The ASG should release all their captives immediately. Why?

First, this does not help the Cause of Islam in any significant way. Better if they kidnapped an American soldier. Better if they held hostage some high government official there. But, members of the International Red Cross? That says much on the purity of their struggle.

The Banner of Islam is ever besmirched by the acts of some who mistakenly view the True Message of Allah SWT as a struggle which includes getting the innocents involved in the Cause of Islam.