Religious used as intermediaries for Filipina Hostage Release

Now that one hostage has been released, this indicates a very good chance that the other two, Notter and Vagni are safe and will also be freed soon. Backroom negotiations have indeed started and that's a very good start.

I share the happiness of millions of Filipinos who prayed hard and believed in God. Personally, I am very glad that my initial entries on this issue, that the ASG beheaded these hostages were deemed unverified. At least, these innocents are safe. It is only a matter of time before the remaining hostages are freed.

Gafur Jikiri, the emissary of Cong. Yusof Jiriki, was the one who initiated talks with the ASG. Along with Sulu Vice Governor Sahidulla, they convinced the group to at least free one of the three. We should not talk nor insinuate that money changed hands. For us, it's more than enough that ICRC worker Mary Jean Lacaba is safe and in a few hours from now, would reconcile with her family.

Though the ASG is still keeping high value victims, still, there is now a chance for the state security forces to just keep the status quo and allow these victims to just wait for a while and for both negotiating groups to just continue talking. In hostage situations, assaults and use of violence are frown upon. The best solution is simply continue talking. Find a common or middle ground. Then, work from there.

I think part of the reason why the ASG released Mary Jean is the effective intercession of religious leaders in Sulu. Gafur is a Pious and recognized ustadz in that area. Since last week, religious leaders based in Jolo were already working for the safe release of the victims. Sources there say it must have been some form of understanding between the religious and those in the jungles that caused the observance of the initial agreement between Sen. Gordon and "Al Bader Parad".

That should start a reinvigoration of a movement in Jolo, Sulu for more proselyzation or what Muslims call "dawah". There must be an active involvement of all religious groups in Sulu to strengthen the iman or religious faith (actually, there is a more accurate description of iman than religious faith) especially the Muslim youth there. People in Sulu should fully understand what Jihad really means and how it is used only for the glory of God.

Next week, I would have completed my scholarly article on Islam and the Bangsamoro Struggle. I'll publish it here for initial comments. Being a historian and scholar, I deemed it necessary to contextualize our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters philosophical world-view and where they're coming from. Understanding Islam is the best thing. Understanding cultural influences is also key to peace in Mindanao. Not force of arms. Nor instigating religious hatred.

Spengler's "Clash of Civilizations" is not self-evident in Mindanao. There is no clash of civilizations. There is only one ascendant "civilization" there. The war is simply a continuation of attempts at intruding on the ascendant civilization which started centuries ago.

Breaking News: FILIPINA HOSTAGE FREED BY ASG

After more than 78 days in captivity,Filipina ICRC worker Mary Jean Lacaba was freed by Abu Sayyaf Group members at exactly 7:15 in the evening tonight, Manila Time. Philippine National Red Cross head Senator Richard Gordon announced the good news immediately after validating that Lacaba is now recuperating in a hospital of the Philippine marine brigade in Jolo Sulu.

An informant said that she was freed in Barangay Paligi, a village bordering Indanan and Parang towns. Lacaba was handed over to Sulu Vice Governor Nuranna Sahidulla, shortly after being told by Congressman Yusop Jikiri that the ASG decided to release her. Sahidulla went to the area accompanied by Brigadier General Eugene Clemen, commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade.

Sources say the group released Lacaba after talking with Abdul Gafur Jikiri. Lacaba is scheduled to be brought to Zamboanga City for a debriefing to be undertaken by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

However, there are no reports suggesting that the two foreigners, Andreas Notter and Vagni are alive. Yet, there are "feelers" which point to evidence of life.

This is great news. It shows how powerful prayers are, when people direct it to God. God is the one to be praised for this.