Dangers Ahead---Macabre birthday gift to Mrs. Arroyo

Senator Richard Gordon yesterday left the fate of the two foreign hostages, Notter and Vagni in the hands of Philippine president Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The senator just wanted to be clear---he already did his part and it is now up to the higher-ups to avert an international incident that a beheading might create. Gordon said that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has not lifted its ultimatum, that is, behead one hostage. And the dangers are there. The ASG went ahead of schedule when they did that in 2002. They beheaded an American tourist in June 12, 2002 as a gift to Mrs. Arroyo. And they can still do that.

What escapes Mrs. Arroyo and her hawks inside the palace is this---the world tolerated government insensitivity in 2002 precisely because Mrs. Arroyo was just "new at the job". Uncanny still, this newest hostage crisis happened at the twilight of her rule. Such a macabre coincidence, I might say. If the ASG beheads one of the hostages, possibly the injured one, Mrs. Arroyo enjoys the reputation as the only president in the annals of Philippine history to be given two "macabre" gifts during her reign---one at the start and the other, at the twilight of her administration.

It's different now since there's a new US president who has shown insensitivity to Mrs. Arroyo before. If a beheading happens in Sulu, surely, that would further heighten the "bad rep" already being enjoyed by Mrs. Arroyo over at Washington. That would be a sign for the US State department to support moves against Mrs. Arroyo since it would validate the perception that the Philippine government remains as the weakest link in the anti-terror fight in the region.

A beheading would surely boast the morale of mujaheddins and jihadists all over the world. It would serve as a beacon for a renewed fight against the West. Wittingly or unwittingly, Mrs. Arroyo would take a part of this, since it would be under her administration that such a thing would happen.

So, now, before Mrs. Arroyo blows her 62nd birthday candle, her advisers should remind her to show resolve and decide this thing today. Order a temporary pullout. If not, then, be ready to explain to the world why this beheading happened. Then, prepare and pack your suitcase already Mrs. Arroyo and head off to Portugal.