Why can’t they get along? This is probably the main question being posed by those following the story about the kidnapping of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) workers in Sulu. The rift between various personalities probably started before the incident happened. By and large, the gap is between Sen. Richard Gordon, chairperson of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and the government’s Joint Task Force Comet (JTFC) now headed by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.
At the onset, ICRC workers started doing projects in Mindanao for quite some time now. Their work ultimately took them well within the boundaries of what are officially called “conflict areas.” There is no clear information whether ICRC superiors or the government warned these volunteers about the risks involved. One fact is apparent though and that is: these workers were cautioned by local village leaders not to be “too trusting.” This warning however was reportedly brushed aside and the rest is history.
The task force came into the picture the moment the military got hold of the news. According to insiders, more experienced unit commanders like Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban immediately dispatched intelligence teams to monitor the movements of the kidnappers. This group of course was to be supervised by the Department of Defense (DND). The first disagreement was: Who was going to handle the negotiations? Will it be the JTFC or the ICRC / PNRC? Sabban’s strategy was to pursue and pressure while that of Gordon’s was to talk and convince. Later, Sabban went on leave and one could only speculate why. Observers guess that the kidnappers were able to use this crack to their advantage. Teodoro immediately took over from Sabban but the squabble did not end there. Bit and pieces of fiery remarks have been reportedly hurled from both sides far from the prying eyes of the covering journalists.
In addition, it must be stated that it was not only Gordon and Sabban who were at odds with each other. Reports from the media and some “appointed” negotiators also gave inconsistent versions on whether or not the kidnappers were asking for ransom. Press interviews showed that the captors didn’t want money but a troop pullout. Meanwhile local leaders who were “in touch” with the hostage-takers said a payoff was being demanded.
The unanticipated release of one of the victims surprisingly solicited a common statement from both of them: No ransom was paid. Researchers and locals however are trying to piece together a logical reason why Mary Jean Lacaba was released. It has been long established that the Abu Sayaff only released captives only if a ransom has been given. Later, Sulu vice-governor Lady Ann Sahidullah (one of those “in contact” with the abductors) distanced herself and again, one could only speculate why.
The appearance of the second ICRC kidnap victim, Andreas Notter, as a freed man again revived a public word war between ‘Schylla and Charybdis.” The latest issue: rescued or released? (Watch out for whoever goes on leave.) This again puts the public where they don’t want to be: in limbo.
Having stated quite a number of facts about the incident coupled with information collected from various sources, the following conjectures can be conjured. First, there is clearly a scramble as to who is going to be judged as being better in resolving the crisis. The PNRC and the JTFC do not want to humiliate themselves with the ICRC and the world respectively. At the very least, these entities must set aside individual differences and move as one to guarantee that the country as a whole would not be embarrassed.
Second, the clash is further being muddled by ‘self-appointed’ negotiators like local government officials who are supposed to be looking out for the welfare of their constituents and not those of the kidnap victims or, worse, maybe even that of the kidnappers’. These theatrical third parties should be literally eliminated as participants in any and all manners of talks however strong claimed connections they have.
The third and last suggestion has something to do with the over-all picture. These roving bands of armed groups which have interwoven themselves with legitimate diplomatic organizations have been a very painful thorn on the government’s flank. They have been bleeding the country for decades already. It’s about time that groups like the MILF police their ranks and rid themselves of these individuals. It would be a very good way to show the authenticity of their noble intentions. Most important of all, the government must do exactly the same. (Photo courtesy of bayanihanpost.com)
At the onset, ICRC workers started doing projects in Mindanao for quite some time now. Their work ultimately took them well within the boundaries of what are officially called “conflict areas.” There is no clear information whether ICRC superiors or the government warned these volunteers about the risks involved. One fact is apparent though and that is: these workers were cautioned by local village leaders not to be “too trusting.” This warning however was reportedly brushed aside and the rest is history.
The task force came into the picture the moment the military got hold of the news. According to insiders, more experienced unit commanders like Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban immediately dispatched intelligence teams to monitor the movements of the kidnappers. This group of course was to be supervised by the Department of Defense (DND). The first disagreement was: Who was going to handle the negotiations? Will it be the JTFC or the ICRC / PNRC? Sabban’s strategy was to pursue and pressure while that of Gordon’s was to talk and convince. Later, Sabban went on leave and one could only speculate why. Observers guess that the kidnappers were able to use this crack to their advantage. Teodoro immediately took over from Sabban but the squabble did not end there. Bit and pieces of fiery remarks have been reportedly hurled from both sides far from the prying eyes of the covering journalists.
In addition, it must be stated that it was not only Gordon and Sabban who were at odds with each other. Reports from the media and some “appointed” negotiators also gave inconsistent versions on whether or not the kidnappers were asking for ransom. Press interviews showed that the captors didn’t want money but a troop pullout. Meanwhile local leaders who were “in touch” with the hostage-takers said a payoff was being demanded.
The unanticipated release of one of the victims surprisingly solicited a common statement from both of them: No ransom was paid. Researchers and locals however are trying to piece together a logical reason why Mary Jean Lacaba was released. It has been long established that the Abu Sayaff only released captives only if a ransom has been given. Later, Sulu vice-governor Lady Ann Sahidullah (one of those “in contact” with the abductors) distanced herself and again, one could only speculate why.
The appearance of the second ICRC kidnap victim, Andreas Notter, as a freed man again revived a public word war between ‘Schylla and Charybdis.” The latest issue: rescued or released? (Watch out for whoever goes on leave.) This again puts the public where they don’t want to be: in limbo.
Having stated quite a number of facts about the incident coupled with information collected from various sources, the following conjectures can be conjured. First, there is clearly a scramble as to who is going to be judged as being better in resolving the crisis. The PNRC and the JTFC do not want to humiliate themselves with the ICRC and the world respectively. At the very least, these entities must set aside individual differences and move as one to guarantee that the country as a whole would not be embarrassed.
Second, the clash is further being muddled by ‘self-appointed’ negotiators like local government officials who are supposed to be looking out for the welfare of their constituents and not those of the kidnap victims or, worse, maybe even that of the kidnappers’. These theatrical third parties should be literally eliminated as participants in any and all manners of talks however strong claimed connections they have.
The third and last suggestion has something to do with the over-all picture. These roving bands of armed groups which have interwoven themselves with legitimate diplomatic organizations have been a very painful thorn on the government’s flank. They have been bleeding the country for decades already. It’s about time that groups like the MILF police their ranks and rid themselves of these individuals. It would be a very good way to show the authenticity of their noble intentions. Most important of all, the government must do exactly the same. (Photo courtesy of bayanihanpost.com)
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