They should be thankful I helped free hostages - Sahidulla

MANILA, Philippines - Instead of investigating her, Philippine security officials should be thankful that she helped secure the freedom of Red Cross workers abducted by the Abu Sayyaf, Sulu Vice Governor Nur-Ana "Lady Ann" Sahidulla said Thursday in response to calls to have her probed over the just-concluded hostage crisis in the province. In a phone interview with GMANews.TV, an upset-sounding Sahidulla said she resents moves by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Senator Rodolfo Biazon to have her investigated in relation to her "role" in securing the release of Red Cross workers Eugenio Vagni and Mary Jean Lacaba. Sahidulla, who also had a role in securing the release of broadcaster Ces Drilon and her companions last year, said she had repeatedly risked her life to work for the freedom of individuals kidnapped by the bandit group. "Sobra naman e, kung sila kaya ang pumunta roon. Dapat pasalamat pa nga sila sa akin, na ka-babae kong tao--trabaho ito ng lalaki e [That is too much, why don't they try negotiating themselves? They should actually be thankful that I went there even though I'm a woman. This is a job for men]," she said. "Nag-risk ako ng buhay ko, tapos ganyan pa? Bakit, ayaw ba nilang ma-release si Vagni? Sana sinabi nila noong negotiation [I risked my life, then they call for a probe? Why, didn't they want Vagni released? They should have said so during the negotiations]," she added. The Sulu official said the reason why Abu Sayyaf members do not harm her was probably because they view women as "harmless," and not because she was conspiring with them. Sahidulla said she had second thoughts about her involvement in talks for the hostages' release after she garnered criticism for her role in securing Lacaba's freedom. But she decided to continue anyway because she wanted to help end the abduction in Sulu, and because the military, led by Task Force Comet commander Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban, repeatedly asked for her help. "Pinakiusapan ako e, ilang beses akong pinakiusapan [They pleaded several times that I continue]," she said. Nevertheless, Sahidulla said she would face any investigation, as she maintained that there was nothing wrong in giving P50,000 "goodwill money" to the Abu Sayyaf after Vagni was released. "Bahala na ang Diyos. Kung yun (investigation) ang gusto nila, hindi ako natatakot. Diyos lang ang kinatatakutan ko. Hindi ako guilty dahil nakatulong ako sa taong nangangailangan ng tulong [I will leave this up to God. If they want an investigation, I do not fear them. God is the only one I fear. I am not guilty because I helped someone who needed help]," Sahidulla said. Sahidulla said the P50,000, which she said came from her own pocket, was meant for food, adding that such an amount would not have strengthened the weaponry of the bandits. She said it was within their "tradition" to give food when someone asks for it. "Nagmamagandang loob ako kasi natutuwa ako nakita ko na si Vagni [I gave it out of goodwill because I was so pleased to see Vagni]," she said. "Kung sino man ang napagpapalaki na naman nyan, aba what is P50,000 no, makita mo na-release yung tao [Whoever is making a big deal out of this, what is P50,000 when you see the hostage released?]" Sahidulla said she even asked the Abu Sayyaf to change their ways and lay down their arms when she handed over the money. - GMANews.TV