ARMM elections and Ces Kidnapping

There's a new TV commercial out there called "Bagong Simula". It's a collaborative work done by various artists and bands. See it and you'll probably appreciate it. Or, maybe not.

While ANC was airing this material, Gloria Labandera was busy trying to launder the dirty image of her political party. She's out there in Davao convening her allies and anointing Zaldy Ampatuan, the LAKAS-KAMPI bet for the ARMM elections. At the pulpit, she lambasted the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and ordered the forces of evil to annihilate their fellow devils. So, this war in Sulu will just be between the forces of Shaitan ranged against the forces of Beelshebub. Lovely.

Informants told the NewPhilRevolution that Ces was released at that time to coincide with Gloria's foray in Mindanao. Notice how things developed truly fast after the kidnappers decided to pass on the deadline?

Did they paid money (probably not 15M as reported) upon strict orders from Malacanan since the president is arriving in Mindanao? Was that the reason for those two duffel bags which were handed by an attorney to an unnamed ASG member?

Do you notice the uncanny connection between the kidnapping and the ARMM elections? Is this what an ABS-CBN reporter referred to when she said that one of the reasons for Ces kidnapping is this ARMM elections?

Was Ces kidnapping a ploy by local politicians to get that presidential blessing? Or was it a fund-raising activity? Was it to highlight the plight of Suluanons before the global stage? Was the "betrayal" that Ces was referring to initiated by combined elements of the military and local politicians and used as bait to pressure Gloria to annoint the vice governor as ARMM candidate?

Going back...I don't see this ARMM elections as bagong simula for the peoples of Mindanao. Admit it..it's a fucked up place.

Full-scale war begins

Now that Ces and her crew are now safe in the hands of the authorities, security forces should run after the perpetuators of this crime. PNP Chief Avelino Razon Jr. vowed to arrest and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

What would be the effects of a full-scale operation against these thugs in Jolo?

First, it would discourage other armed groups in the area from undertaking such stupid things again. However, before they do that, they need to evacuate all media members out of the island. With Ces' kidnapping, this shows that everybody is fair game already.

Second, a military operation could arrest the development of these thugs from ordinary criminals to hard-core terrorists. They must be taught a lesson that crime does not pay.

Lastly, a military assault would show to the world that this administration does not condone illegal acts.

However, security agencies should be forewarned on the long-term effects of such a war, given that some groups are on the war footing. There were indications that armed groups have banded together and are expecting a war against the PNP and the AFP. This operation should be done with some civilian relations aspect to avoid alienating other Tausugs and maintain the support of neutrals in Jolo.