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.

Dramatic Ending on Ces Kidnapping Caper?

PNP Chief Avelino Razon Jr. is reportedly in Zamboanga City right now. He's monitoring the situation. There's a lot of buzz that, within the next few days, Ces and her TV crew will be "rescued", courtesy of the PNP. And for what?

For Razon's "senatorial" campaign? Since the start of the year, there are talks that Razon is being primed as a senatorial bet come 2010. I have nothing against Sonny Razon. In fact, he's one of those "nice" guys I would love to see debating against the likes of Lito Lapid who, incidentally celebrated this day as his first day when a bill of his was passed into law (Mark this day--17 June 2008 as the day when Lito Lapid became a legislator). Or, it would amuse us even further to see Razon debating against the erudite Miriam, probably even daring Miriam to go jump over that fabled bridge in Sta. Ana Manila.

Seriously, there's something brewing out there and I think that within the next few days, we will see Razon escorting a tired and stressed out Ces to be presented in Malacanan. Ces has become hot property right now, thanks to a "silent" media. Despite legitimate appeals from Malacanang and Teresita Ang-See, journalists still scrambled to go to Sulu and Zamboanga to cover Ces' kidnapping.

I am sure that within the next few days, Ces, his cameraman and Prof. Dimampo will be released by their young captors. Like those before her, Ces will be hauled immediately to Zamboanga to board a plane for Manila. There, like the rest of the kidnapped victims under this administration, they'll be presented to the president for that precious photo op.

And surely, Razon, the would-be senator, will be there.

Will we see Mayor Isnaji also in Malacanan? Possibly. Or that Vice Governor becoming governor through the funds of Malacanan? This kidnapping stunt added more pogi points for them. The more these things happen in their island, the more powerful these two will become.

Expect surprises, my friends.