MILF presses gov’t to address Mindanao kidnappings

From the Daily Tribune (May 16): MILF presses gov’t to address Mindanao kidnappings

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is challenging the government to exert its authority to address kidnapping-for-ransom (KFR) in southern Philippines, particularly in Sulu, which it described as fast-becoming Somalia of Southeast Asia.

It noted that police and military authorities have become ineffective against KFR groups in Sulu and Basilan, citing last month’s abduction of 10 Indonesians and four Malaysians.

“Kidnapping in Sulu continues unabated. It is unstoppable. It is fast becoming another Somalia, this time in Southeast Asia. Instead of being stopped or even minimized, it has soared to unprecedented height,” the MILF said in its website.

“It is hard to admit by government, but the truth is that the military and police are virtually rendered ineffective against the kidnap-for-ransom groups in Sulu or even in the small island of Basilan,” it stressed.

The MILF said the government should act swiftly against the menace as the negative impacts of unabated kidnappings are now being felt.

“The closing of the Philippine-Sabah borders for travel and trade is perchance the start of this punishment, which hits not only the kidnappers but more hardly the innocent and good people of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Consequently, the price of basic commodities shoots up and almost doubled the original price especially of rice.

“(The) government must assert its authority,” it added.

The MILF claimed to have been doing its part to address KFR menace in southern Philippines, particularly in its stronghold Central Mindanao.

It, however, stressed it does not support ransom payment in exchange for the release of the victims.

“We have had already done modest contributions in freeing some of the kidnapped victims in the past. But our greatest deficit is that when ransom is discussed, we dissociate ourselves from it,” the MILF said.

The Abu Sayyaf group recently freed 14 Indonesians held as captives since mid-April.
Report said that the Moro National Liberation Front played a key role in the freedom of the hostages.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/milf-presses-gov-t-to-address-mindanao-kidnappings