AFP eyes rescue ops for Fr. Sinnott’s release
11/06/2009 | 05:09 PM
Sensing no hope in freeing Michael Sinnott through negotiations, Armed Forces chief Gen. Victor Ibrado said on Friday that Philippine military forces might need to mount rescue operations to ensure the fast and safe release of the 79-year-old Irish priest from the hands of his captors.
The local Crisis Management Committee, headed by Zambonga del Sur governor Aurora Cerilles, remains on top of efforts to free the priest. But Ibrado observes that there has been no major breakthrough in the negotiations since the team was organized last month to deal with Sinnott’s kidnappers.
The military, however, will not push through with the operations without the green light from the local negotiators. “We’re taking cue from the (committee). If they feel that there is no hope in the negotiations, then, all we want is a signal from them so that we can conduct rescue operations," said Ibrado.
Thousands of soldiers and policemen have been deployed in Southern Philippines, ready for combat once the AFP chief gives the order. Most of the government forces are stationed at the boundaries of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte where Sinnott and his captors are believed to be staying.
It remains unclear as to who is behind Sinnott’s kidnapping. Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno claims it is the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, particularly, Aloy Al Asree, commander of the MILF’s 113rd Base Command.
Ibrado tends to agree with Puno. “We have information to that effect," said the AFP chief. But he said the information was based on an intelligence report that needed validation.
The Moro rebels are denying it, demanding the government to retract Puno’s claim. But Malacañang wants the MILF to prove its innocence. Press Secretary Cerge Remonde is not only asking proof that the MILF's hands are clean, he also wants the rebels to help in freeing Sinnott.
Peace negotiators are hoping that the latest spat between the government and the MILF will not affect the talks.
“I have faith and trust in the MILF…otherwise…I have no business talking to them," said Foreign undersecretary Rafael Seguis, chairman of the peace panel negotiating with the rebels. - GMANews.TV
The local Crisis Management Committee, headed by Zambonga del Sur governor Aurora Cerilles, remains on top of efforts to free the priest. But Ibrado observes that there has been no major breakthrough in the negotiations since the team was organized last month to deal with Sinnott’s kidnappers.
The military, however, will not push through with the operations without the green light from the local negotiators. “We’re taking cue from the (committee). If they feel that there is no hope in the negotiations, then, all we want is a signal from them so that we can conduct rescue operations," said Ibrado.
Thousands of soldiers and policemen have been deployed in Southern Philippines, ready for combat once the AFP chief gives the order. Most of the government forces are stationed at the boundaries of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte where Sinnott and his captors are believed to be staying.
It remains unclear as to who is behind Sinnott’s kidnapping. Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno claims it is the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, particularly, Aloy Al Asree, commander of the MILF’s 113rd Base Command.
Ibrado tends to agree with Puno. “We have information to that effect," said the AFP chief. But he said the information was based on an intelligence report that needed validation.
The Moro rebels are denying it, demanding the government to retract Puno’s claim. But Malacañang wants the MILF to prove its innocence. Press Secretary Cerge Remonde is not only asking proof that the MILF's hands are clean, he also wants the rebels to help in freeing Sinnott.
Peace negotiators are hoping that the latest spat between the government and the MILF will not affect the talks.
“I have faith and trust in the MILF…otherwise…I have no business talking to them," said Foreign undersecretary Rafael Seguis, chairman of the peace panel negotiating with the rebels. - GMANews.TV
