Teachers' group to PNoy: Intervene in Agusan hostage crisis

As the hostage crisis in Agusan del Sur entered its fifth day Tuesday, a teachers' group asked Malacañang to directly intervene and ensure the speedy release of the hostages. The Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) made the appeal as it continued offering prayers for the release of at least 12 remaining hostages. "While we are satisfied with the way Prosperidad Mayor Alvin Magdamit and the crisis management committee handle the hostage drama, we ask PNoy not to treat this as a local matter. Malacañang must step into it and use all means to free the remaining hostages," TDC chairman Benjo Basas said in a statement posted on the TDC website. Malacañang has so far asked the local provincial crisis management committee to handle the matter, although it said it is monitoring the situation and put a premium on the safety of the hostages. Last Friday, a group of armed men took hostage 15 people in Prosperidad town in Agusan del Sur, to demand the release from jail of one of their colleagues. At least three of the hostages have been released. The latest to be freed was one of two schoolchildren. While the TDC said all signs point to a peaceful resolution of the crisis, it appealed for the Palace’s intervention to end the standoff by all means, including a compromise. "Entering into a compromise with the hostage-takers is much better than compromising the lives and safety of the hostages. We all saw what an armed man can do, and what a President could have done in this kind of situation in the past," Basas said. In the meantime, he said the TDC will continue with its 6 'o clock prayers which started last Sunday for the safe and immediate release of all the hostages. Prevent future incidents Meanwhile, the TDC reminded government to ensure the security of teachers and schoolchildren by providing security personnel around schools, especially those in areas where armed conflict is a constant threat. "That would be the lasting solution. While the teachers are gripped with fear, nobody would dare to be assigned in these places and it compromises the education service for the poor children of these communities," Basas said. Basas also said teachers in hazardous areas should get hazard pay. He lamented that amid minimal compensation, public school teachers are exposed into this kind of danger. "It is but just for us to demand a hazard pay for our colleagues in conflict areas," he said. — LBG/RSJ, GMA News