July 27, 2001, Sun Star Zamboanga, Abu Sayyaf gains from inquiry, by Bong Garcia Jr.

July 27, 2001, Sun Star Zamboanga, Abu Sayyaf gains from inquiry, by Bong Garcia Jr. 

ZAMBOANGA -- Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Gen. Diomedio Villanueva admitted that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is gaining momentum in its propaganda from the congressional inquiry conducting a probe on some military officials who were accused of collaborating with the bandits in Basilan province. 

Villanueva, who was present during the congressional inquiry Saturday in Isabela City, Basilan, said some of the civilians including those who testified were made to believe by the bandits that it they (bandits) have contacts with the military during the June 2 church and hospital siege in Lamitan town. 

He cited the point that was raised by Brig. Gen. Romeo Dominguez during the congressional inquiry about bandit spokesman Abu Sabaya pretending to be talking with someone through a satellite phone inside the Jose Maria Torres Memorial Hospital building. 

Dominguez emphasized that it was impossible for Sabaya to use the satellite phone inside the building as the unit (satellite phone) does not work in- doors. Dominguez said that even cellular phones will not work in Lamitan town as there is no signal in the place due to the absence of cellular site. 

"At the extent, the Abu Sayyaf has benefited from these allegations. But in the long run, this will favor us," Villanueva said. Villanueva urged the congress to hasten the inquiry on the accusation hurled against the military by Fr. Cirilo Nacorda so that the soldiers could focus on its main task in getting the bandits, who are still holding hostage 19 people including American missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham. 

"Right now, we have to admit na hampered kami. But in the interest to clear the air, I think this is necessary," he said. Meanwhile, House Committee on Defense and Security chair, Rep. Prospero Pichay, has urged other lawmakers to refrain from giving deadlines to the military in its campaign against the bandits. Pichay's call came after Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr, chairman of the Senate Committee on Defense and Security, issued a statement last week that the military should resolve the Abu Sayyaf problem within 90 days. "I cannot understand why an honorable senator will issue such statement. Kararating mo land ditto and you don't know the real situation," Pichay said. 

He said that while it is true the military offensive is taking time, "they (Abu Sayyaf) are a moving target. It is not like Camp Abu Bakkar were the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have to defend a territory." He sees the offensive against the Abu Sayyaf as "a matter of timing and good intelligence network to pinpoint the enemies before engagement." 

Pichay said his committee will find out the real situation and believed that the military operations is not the only solution to the Abu Sayyaf problem. "We should dig deeper as to why some Basilan natives resort to banditry and kidnappings," he said. Pichay believe that pouring more development and educating the people could be one of the best long term solution to the bandit problem in Basilan. He also cited that political bickering would also be one factor that hampers the development of Basilan, thus, affecting the solution to the Abu Sayyaf problem.