August 22, 2001, The Philippine Star, Inquiry into AFP-Sayyaf collusion set in Basilan,

August 22, 2001, The Philippine Star, Inquiry into AFP-Sayyaf collusion set in Basilan,

The Senate committee on national defense and security decided yesterday to hold in Basilan the inquiry into the reported connivance between military officials and the Abu Sayyaf in the island-province.

The hearings to be presided by committee chairman Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. will be held in Lamitan town to "ensure the safety of the witnesses."

Magsaysay said Senators Gregorio Honasan, Noli de Castro, John Osmeña and Renato Cayetano would likely join the investigation tomorrow.

Magsaysay disclosed that Fr. Cirilo Nacorda and other possible witnesses in Basilan requested that the probe be conducted in the area so that the public will better understand the prevailing situation.

He said it would also be important for the committee members to check for themselves the hospital where some military officials allegedly let the bandits escape a military dragnet last June 2.

Magsaysay went to Lamitan town last Aug. 17 to meet with Nacorda and the other people who made statements on the alleged collusion and ensure them of their safety.

The lawmasker said he would not want to compel Nacorda and the other civilians to appear before the Senate as their concerns, particularly on security, were understandable.

"We have to put ourselves in their place. They are civilians and from a religious organization. I'm sure they are now fearful for their safety," Magsaysay said.

He explained the Armed Forces of the Philippines could provide security for the witnesses against the military officials who supposedly let the bandits slip away with their captives in exchange for a part of the ransom money.

On the other hand, reports from Zamboanga City said that Southern Command chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Camiling said the Army has already finished its own investigation into Nacorda's allegations.

"They already have the result, but definitely the findings don't include a collusion," Camiling said.

"No commander in his right mind will talk with the Abu Sayyaf, he will be killed by his soldiers. It is unfair that accusations like that are aired; what's more painful is that they come from a priest," he said. -- Aurea Calica, Paolo Romero, Roel Pareño