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May 24, 2000, BusinessWorld, Palace junks Sayyaf's political demands,

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May 24, 2000, BusinessWorld, Palace junks Sayyaf's political demands,

The government rejected the Abu Sayyaf's demand for an independent Islamic state in Mindanao.

It is also leaving it up to the Malaysian government to decide whether or not to grant the Abu Sayyaf's demands for an investigation into the alleged abuses of Filipinos in Sabah.

Executive Secretary Ronaldo B. Zamora told newsmen yesterday, "You have to take this up with Malaysia, so there's nothing concrete at this time. It is a proposal... You have to wait until our negotiators are able to talk to them face to face."

Chief negotiator and presidential committee on flagship projects chairman Robert Aventajado said the formation of a Sabah commission is a workable demand.

"It has to be a bilateral arrangement. Perhaps once it is really given to us in the negotiation, the next step is for the government to inform the Malaysian government about this particular demand. If there is a green light, perhaps a technical working group should be set up to look into the details," he said in a press conference.

Mr. Aventajado said the matter has not yet been formally taken up with the Malaysian government.

The Abu Sayyaf had forwarded the two initial political demands in a manifesto sent to Cabinet Cluster E (political and security).

Meanwhile, Mr. Aventajado expressed confidence the negotiations with the terrorists would start within the week.

Mr. Aventajado said the Abu Sayyaf did not attend the meeting last Monday due to security concerns, particularly with the 10 Presidential Security Group (PSG) bodyguards at the Tuup elementary school in Patikul district, Jolo, Sulu.

There is no definite date yet for the negotiations, and Mr. Aventajado even offered to go it alone, "bite the bullet" and venture in the Abu Sayyaf lair.

If negotiations push through, he said the release of ailing German hostage Renate Wallert would be the first priority.

Meanwhile, President Joseph E. Estrada said the government will not compromise with terrorists who trample on the rights and liberties of the people.

"We shall not cower in fear nor shall we allow other forces other than the dictates of our nation's interests, to influence our decisions," he said in a speech during the 102nd navy anniversary in Pasay City.

Mr. Estrada said the government is willing to take risks and sacrifices to achieve peace and prosperity, and it is bound to protect national interest in dealing with terrorist groups.

He said the military would continue to take a defensive stance against the MILF.

"Ironic as it may seem, soldiers go war to wage peace. We do seek peace and we shall not pause for breath if only to save lives. But, again, what good will be peace if it is compromised, " Mr. Estrada said.

He questioned the sincerity of the MILF in the peace negotiations. "Our leftist and separatist groups have asked for peace and we have been patient for so long. But how else can you detect the shadow of peace from minds who nurture disdain over democracy... While soldiers fall one by one on the bloodied soils of Mindanao, we ask ourselves if peace negotiation is the way to go."

"As peace talks resume, I cannot help but wonder... Why are Filipinos fighting in Mindanao? I don't think any true Filipino would seek secession. True Filipinos do not resort to violence to advance political interests."

In a related development, the PSG has stepped up security within and around Malacanan Palace.

Press Secretary Ricardo V. Puno, Jr. said this is a precautionary measure in light of the recent bombings in Metro Manila.

"No, we haven't received (any threats). It's part of precaution. There was no indication of any specific threat here in the area, but it's part of prudence that people are exercising at this time. So there will be some security measures that are in place," he told newsmen.

Mr. Puno admitted there has been difficulty in weeding out false bomb threats from real threats around the metropolis, so the PSG is taking all threats seriously.

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on Jan 10, 13