Palace backtracks, says amnesty to Abu Sayyaf ‘unlikely’

MANILA, Philippines - After receiving flak, Malacañang on Wednesday backtracked from its statement that it is willing to grant amnesty to the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf bandits. Deputy presidential spokesman for economic affairs Gary Olivar noted that even administration officials, including those from the security front, had expressed strong opposition to the idea. Among these officials were national security adviser Norberto Gonzales, chief presidential legal counsel Raul Gonzalez, presidential adviser on the peace process Avelino Razon Jr., and presidential adviser for Mindanao affairs Jesus Dureza. “I would say that based on opinions that I’ve read in the paper so far, it is more unlikely rather than likely that an amnesty will be given [to the Abu Sayyaf] and that is based on the readings on the opinions," Olivar said. Even the US Embassy in Manila had opposed the possible granting of amnesty to the Abu Sayyaf, saying such does not guarantee that peace would be restored in the restive region of Mindanao. “In order to bring about the prosperous peaceful and thriving future that we all want for Mindanao and for all Filipinos, there must be rule of law," said embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson in a text message to GMANews.TV. “Rule of law requires effective law enforcement and holding criminals and terrorists accountable for their actions," she added. In 2002, the United States Department of Defense included the Abu Sayyaf in its list of terror groups around the world. The proposal to grant amnesty to the Abu Sayyaf came from Senator Richard Gordon, who said such move by the government could be instrumental in bringing peace in Mindanao. Gordon’s proposal came following the release of International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC) worker Eugenio Vagni from the hands of the bandit group last Sunday. On Tuesday, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita dangled the possibility of granting amnesty to the Abu Sayyaf when he said that the government is open to Gordon's proposal. - GMANews.TV