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June 2, 2000, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Commander Robot: We're not a kidnapping syndicate, by Noralyn Mustafa,

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June 2, 2000, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Commander Robot: We're not a kidnapping syndicate, by Noralyn Mustafa,

TALIPAO, Sulu--Galib Andang was only 10 years old when he carried a gun as a recruit of the Moro National Liberation Front. He once received a bullet in the chest from a government gun, and now his ideal of invincibility is based on the Hollywood character of Robocop, the part-human, part-machine crimebuster who reinvents himself after every destruction. So Galib reinvented himself as Commander Robot, one of the five known leaders of Abu Sayyaf gunmen who abducted 19 foreign nationals and two Filipinos from a beach resort in Malaysia on April 23. 

This interview took place somewhere in Bandang, Talipao, near the jungle lair where the hostages await the outcome of talks between the government and their captors.

Q: Why did you organize this movement? 

A: We organized this movement known as Al-Harakatul Islamiya because this name, Abu Sayyaf, is simply the name or nickname of (slain Abu Sayyaf leader) Ustadz Aburajak Janjalani (the brother of Khaddafy Janjalanithe Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf head). The name of this organization that is struggling in the path of Allah here in our homeland is called Al-Harakatul al Islamiya, which translated into English is ''Islamic Movement'' . . . We founded this because we want our land to be governed by the laws of the (Koran) and the Hadis (teachings of the Prophet), insha'llah (may God grant it). 

Q: Do you get support from other countries? 

A: We are self-reliant. Well, in the past, our elders (in the Moro National Liberation Front) received assistance from countries like Libya, Malaysia, Portugal. But at this time, there is none. There is only one (who helped us): (Saudi terrorist) Osama bin Laden. 

Q: What is your objective? 

A: If what we are asking for--an independent Islamic state--can be given to us, our race will govern in Mindanao; we will be triumphant and free; and the laws that Allah wants will reign. We have no other objective. 

Q: All over Mindanao, not just in Sulu? 

A: All over Mindanao. However, this can be discussed and negotiated. (Note: The government has rejected the demand for an independent Islamic state in Mindanao, although it has raised the possibility of expanded Muslim autonomy.) 

Not for ransom? 

Q: Is that your objective in abducting these people from Sipadan? 

A: Yes, that is our objective. We are not like the (kidnapping) syndicates in Manila. Our objective is none other than that. We do not intend to be rich or to be praised and be famous. We just want to free ourselves from our duty and obligation, so that generations to come will not blame us in the name of Allah for failing to comply with the teachings of our religion. (In past kidnappings, the Abu Sayyaf did not demand for independent Islamic state. Most of their victims were freed after paying money for ''board and lodging.'') 

Q: Do you belong to the same movement as those in Basilan? 

A: There is only one Al-Harakatul Islamiya, only one. The only difference is that some are in Basilan, in Sarangani, in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and in other places like General Santos, and even in Manila. (Officials have said that, except for the name, the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan has no political ties with the one based in Sulu.) 

Q: In your view, is there a possibility that you and the government can come to an agreement? 

A: As of now, the government is finding ways to resolve this. We are doing the same. These things are still under negotiation. 

German hostage

Q: How about the hostages, can you not find it in your heart to release the ailing woman (German hostage Renate Wallert, who was earlier reported to be suffering from hypertension)? 

A: That will have to be discussed. All problems have a solution. But we have to discuss this face to face with the representatives of the government. The government has to grant us what we are demanding. But where money is concerned, we have not discussed this. But we have to discuss this matter. The government of the Philippines breaks its promises. 

Q: But have you expressed (to the government negotiators) what needs to be done for you to release the ailing German hostage? 

A: We have discussed confidential matters, but it seems they cannot comply with these. 

Q: (Asked by German TV journalist) Is it possible, as a matter of pity and kindness, for you to release the old German woman? It would be easier for people in Germany, for example, to understand you and your cause if they see that you are also capable of pity for an old woman. 

A: What is your purpose--are you a negotiator, or a member of the press? Okay, if he is with the press, tell him to just do his work, to interview and not to demand. But if he want to be a negotiator, then he should not work with media. He should ask authorization from Sec. (Robert) Aventajado or his government (to negotiate). 

$1 million

Q: Suppose you were offered $1 million, would you be willing to release some of the hostages? 

A: We have not discussed any demands for money. 

Q: How long do you think it will take to resolve this hostage crisis? 

A: As of now, we are still negotiating and trying to come to an understanding. We are discussing and looking for a resolution that will be best for all concerned. Q: Can you guarantee the safety of the hostages? 

A: This should be asked of the Philippine government. If they will not order the military to move, (yes), but if there will be military operations, then from our experience, we have to fight. 

Q: So what you are saying is that the fate of the hostages depends on what the government decides? 

A: Yes. 

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