ORDINARILY, we would have welcomed the good news that two Filipino hostages have been finally freed from the clutches of the notorious terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group.
These two are Rolando Tetrero and Ramelito Vela, who were working as assistants or cameramen of Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani who himself was kidnapped by the ASG after interviewing his captors for a documentary film for Dubai-based Al Arabiya news channel.
For those who hardly known him, Atyani has earned an international reputation for having interviewed two al-Qaeda leaders Osama bin Laden and Dr. Ayman al Zawahiri who were said to be responsible for the September 11 terrorist bombings in the US.
Ordinarily, we would have also welcomed the good news that the Moro National Liberation Front has secured the freedom of three foreign hostages, thus leaving two other foreign hostages in the hands of the ASG.
But these are not really good news to many of us. Instead, there are more questions to be asked about the participation of the MNLF in taking a lead role to negotiate with their fellow Tausug rebels for the safe and immediate release of these hostages.
For one, one wonders why, all of a sudden, the MNLF wanted to run after its fellow Tausug rebels in ASG who for the past 22 years have been kidnapping local and foreign tourists in exchange of ransom money.
Secondly, why would the MNLF, after reportedly securing the freedom of three foreign hostages would want to wait for MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari to arrive home before turning them over their respective embassies here in Manila.
Thirdly, if our sources are right, why would the MNLF prefer to turn over these three hostages to their respective embassies instead of the Philippine government which they have signed a peace agreement in 2996.
And finally, why would a certain John Odonnell Petalcorin who claims to be the director for advocacy of the MNLF asked for “donations” in the form of ammunitions and foods for MNLF fighters hunting down ASG.
MNLF’s unilateral action to secure the freedom of the hostages casts suspicion not only because the MNLF is fighting for its relevance but also because a huge ransom money is involved.
Is there truth behind what some political pundits believe that MNLF’s unilateral action was designed to partake ransom money which they claim is needed for them to fund Misuari’s bid to regain his former seat as ARMM governor on this coming May 13, 2013 elections?
Is the MNLF the good guys with guns?
