Ransom Money for Baker Abdulla Atyani

[TUBAGBOHOL.com]

by PNA

The Aquino administration reiterated its no-ransom policy following reports that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) reportedly demanded a P50-million ransom for the release of the Jordanian broadcast journalist who was reported missing since June 12, a Palace official said on Monday.

"We continue to maintain the no-ransom policy. But, again, the lines of communication are between Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and the ASG," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday.

Reports said Jordanian journalist Baker Abdulla Atyani of Dubai-based Al-Arabiya TV and his two Filipino cameramen Rolando Letrero and Ramelito Vela were reported missing in Sulu after they failed to return to the Sulu State College Hostel in the capital town Jolo.

"Sulu Governor Sakur Tan has formed a crisis committee in Sulu. What we can confirm is that the said journalist is in the hands of the ASG and that he went there (ASG lair) voluntarily for an interview," Lacierda said.

"It is also confirmed that he had in another occasion the opportunity to interview an Abu Sayyaf head," Lacierda said.

Lacierda said the government, through the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), is closely monitoring the progress of the operations being undertaken to secure the safety of the Jordanian journalist and his crew.

The ASG, reportedly holding Atyani and his crew, is in the forested areas of Patikul to avoid detection from the military and police authorities who are conducting follow-up operations.

Atyani and his crew arrived in Jolo on June 11 and checked in at the Sulu State College Hostel in Barangay Bangka.

At 5 a.m. the following day, Atyani was fetched by a white multi-cab with plate number LLC 238 to head for Bud Datu in Patikul.

[Lorenzo]

tsk tsk tsk, its quite interesting that they (the abu sayaff) would kidnap one of their brothers in islam, this jordanian journalist. hypocritical islamist group.

[hubag bohol]

Hmm, sakto ba kaha ang info about a demand for ransom... :

[bol-anon nga cebuano]

that only shows the true color of the abu sayyaf group. they are not fighting for freedom as what they are claiming. they are bandits. why can't the government, MILF and MNLF join forces to wipe out this group? it tarnishes the ideals of MILF and MNLF who are fighting for separation of mindanao.

[Lorenzo]

that only shows the true color of the abu sayyaf group. they are not fighting for freedom as what they are claiming. they are bandits. why can't the government, MILF and MNLF join forces to wipe out this group? it tarnishes the ideals of MILF and MNLF who are fighting for separation of mindanao.

In my opinion, I believe that the MILF and the MNLF relish in the Abu Sayaff's continued pestering of Government's authority and to continue to affect the local government unit. I will not be surprised to find out that Abu Sayaff is actually getting some kind of financial if not theological support from the cadre members of the MILF and MNLF. The main goal of the MILF and MNLF as well as that of the Abu Sayaff correlates with the overrall concept of Islamiyah Jeremiyah, which aims create an Islamic nation in south east asia.

The MNLF , MILF and Abu Sayaff wish to create a muslim nation in southern Philippines, a concept called "Bangsamoro". Their political, religious and historical claim lies in the fact that that region of the Philippines, Mindanao, was historically muslim. However, the overwhelming majority of Filipinos who inhabit Mindanao are not muslim, nor are they tausug, but are Christian and are from all over the Visayas. Some coming from Bohol, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Maasin, Tacloban etc.

The Republic of the Philippines must preserve its territorial integrity and the Government of the Philippines, which is elected by the people, and created for the people, should do what it can to crush any further islamic separatist groups that would try to undermine the will of the Filipino people.

As far as I know, from talking to DILG personnel, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao are incapable of disseminating funds to the proper local level. This resounds the inefficiency of the ARMM agencies. I believe that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines should exercise full control of the ARMM region of Mindanao and abolish autonomy. Every single province of the Republic should be accountable to the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Departments of the nation. And every province should follow the constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, which is the highest law of the land.

May the Philippine Armed Forces hunt down and exterminate further separatist groups that would dare undermine the safety and security and the authority of the Government of the Philippines, which is the breathing manifestation of the Will of the Filipino People.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas ! One Nation Under God!

[Lorenzo]

Mr. Baker Abdulla Atyani


Note: Mr. Atyani also bears resemblance to American food critic Anthony Bourdain

[TUBAGBOHOL.com]

the AFP will not wipe out the abu, npa, milf, and mnlf because the moment it happens it will make the military less needed. consequently, military budget will be slashed in the absence of enemies. and if the budget is slashed, the generals won't make much money out of supply contracts.

whether we like it or not, more enemies can be translated to more funds. it's business after all.

[Lorenzo]

mura diay atong situwasyon og supply and demand.