Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Mrs. Arroyo's Secret Negotiator






Mrs. Arroyo's birthday came and went without a whimper from the Abu Sayyaf Group regarding their two remaining foreign hostages. Philippine senator and administration ally Richard Gordon on Saturday said the fate of these hostages depend on Mrs. Arroyo. He was quickly rebuked by Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro who countered that government should not be bullied by these "thugs", even suggesting that government should pursue its initial plan, that is, make an assault. No word from the kidnappers, who, says Gordon, remain open to negotiations although it's apparent that Dick is now out of the loop. Government announced that it has a new negotiator. And that new negotiator happens to be....Cong. Yusof Jikiri.


Unknown to many, Jikiri has been working for the release of the hostages. He's the palace silent operator. He tapped his brother, Al Gafur Jikiri to be his link with the ASG. Jikiri is widely respected in Jolo as a religious scholar and it is believed that Yasser Igasan listens to him. Igasan, by the way, is the ASG's recognized Amir. Another ASG head, the person whom the military calls "Dr. Abu" also listens to Jikiri.


The name "Jikiri" is not an unfamiliar name. During the time of Erap, Jikiri was also tapped as a government negotiator, having served in Misuari's MNLF force during the anti-Marcos war. Jikiri is a former MNLF commander, highly respected in Sulu and the rest of Mindanao.


Jikiri is also close to Sulu governor Abdul Sakur Tan. As this is being written, constant back and forth and back-channelling are being done to reach an agreement for the release of the remaining hostages. And the chances are very good. There is a possibility that Notter and Vagni would be released within this week.


Now, if Tan is right, then, this shows that the influence of the Singaporean militant who is believed to be with the group is slowly waning. For this JI member, beheading these two high-profile and valued hostages is the final and right option.


If this is correct, then, what Sulu Vice Governor Lady Nurhanna said is right---most of the members of the ASG want to turn a new leaf. They want a livelihood program set for them. This also belies the fact that this branch of the ASG is really the military-controlled one since their acts are dissimilar with the previous history of the group.


This is getting deeper my friends. There is that possibility that some members of the military is manipulating this hostage taking and for what? A synchronized move? For what?


BY the way, a former ASG hostage victim reacted in one of my entries here. If you're reading this, send me an email at mangubat.patricio@gmail.com. I'll be happy to post whatever you want to say.

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