September 14, 1998, PHNO, Govt Intensifies Drive vs Abu Sayyaf Kidnap Gang,

Manila, Sept. 14, 1998 - The government intensified its campaign against Abu Sayyaf bandits behind the recent kidnap-for-ransom cases in Mindanao. President Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada ordered the Philippine Marines and Navy on Monday to join the composite team of law enforcers hunting down the outlaw group, and expressed confidence that they will fall in government's hands in a few days.

While Estrada welcomed the offer of Gov. Nur Misuari of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to help secure the safe release of the captives, the Chief Executive ruled out any amnesty for Abdujarak Abubakar Janjalani, the head of the Abu Sayyaf group.

"Everything is going on smoothly as I had expected. I have complete trust and confidence in [Chief Supt. Panfilo ] Lacson so we will just give him a few days. We may be able to solve the problem there in Mindanao," the President said.

Mr. Estrada had directed Lacson, chief of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) to personally oversee the pursuit of the kidnappers and the rescue of their captives.

"I have told Gen. Lacson to coordinate with our Marines and Navy there. They are to go all-out after all these kidnappers," President Estrada said.

Lacson, in a radio interview, confirmed that he was ordered by the President to go back to Mindanao and put a stop to the criminal activities of Abu Sayyaf members.

The PAOCTF chief had returned to Metro Manila to direct the swift rescue of kidnapped Alemars Book Store owner Jose Agaton Sibal in Las Pinas on Sunday. Six suspects were arrested in the operation.

Aside from the PAOCTF, the President had also mobilized the military, police and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in tracking down members of Abu Sayyaf blamed for a string of kidnapping in Western Mindanao.

In in separate incidents last week in Zamboanga del Norte, the rebels abducted Italian priest Luciano Beneditti and the mother of a Taiwanese investor, who threatened to pull out his business from the Philippines unless his mother is returned safely.

As to Misuari's offer to negotiate for the release of the kidnap victims, the President said anybody can help the government bring genuine and lasting peace to Mindanao.

"Why not. We will welcome anybody as long as we can get peace in Mindanao. Kahit na sino, (Anybody) especially Gov. Misuari. He knows almost everybody there, all the Muslims," President Estrada said.

Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora said on Sunday that while it is the government's policy not to negotiate with terrorist groups like the Abu Sayyaf, Misuari may initiate, on his own, negotiations with its leaders to further the cause of peace.

The President, however , reiterated that he will not allow Janjalani to deny justice to his victims by granting him amnesty.

"We can't compromise. He has so many victims. Marami s'yang kailangang pagbayaran. Kawawa naman ang mga victims kung makipag-compromise at bigyan siya ng amnesty. (He has to pay for his crimes. It would be an injustice to his victims if he enters into a compromise with the government and is granted amnesty) He has to face all charges," Mr. Estrada said.

Janjalani was reported to have demanded amnesty in exchange for his surrender.