Official: Govt approach vs kidnappings 'weak'

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo’s security adviser on Sunday admitted that the government’s approach in dealing with the spate of kidnappings in southern Philippines was “weak" and that the policy should be changed. “We create task forces or panels to negotiate for the release. In the long run it would be damaging to the communities. We should be more forceful in combating kidnapping. We should reassess and possibly change our policy," said National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales. Gonzales said it appeared that more kidnappings occurred after the government started using “local approaches," which he said was similar to what it had been doing in its peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The national government at present leaves all negotiations and handling of kidnapping cases to local crisis committees, with the military and police acting as support to the local officials. Gonzales said he recently met local government officials and bishops from Sulu, Basilan, Zambonga Sibugay, and Zamboanga City who were "alarmed over the he on going and increased kidnapping in their area." Apart from the kidnappings of three Red Cross workers – Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba, Swiss Andreas Notter, and Italian Eugenio Vagni – in Sulu last Jan. 15, Sri Lankan Omar Jalil was also abducted in Basilan last Feb. 13. Last March 13, teachers Jocelyn Enriquez, Jocelyn Inion, and Naime Mande were abducted by four gunmen while on their way to Naga town in Zamboanga Sibugay. Gonzales said the kidnappings “has gone too far." “We can expect more if we don’t act seriously to address them," he added. - GMANews.TV