01 August 2000 - The Manila Times

By Faber Concepcion and Charmaine Deogracias 

ZAMBOANGA CITY— Footloose Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Nur Misuari spent his first evening back home Saturday accusing government negotiators in the long-running Sulu hostage crisis of providing the Abu Sayyaf with funds for weapons shopping spree, which reportedly includes the purchase of new missiles.

Misuari, whom Malacañang urged to attend a Senate probe on alleged ARMM financial anomalies, also said government negotiators set “a bad precedent” by allowing the payment of $4 million in ransom for several hostages.

He also said Muslim extremists would drag out negotiations and release hostages in small batches.

“They know the military is just waiting to pounce on them, that’s why for every release, they kidnap someone else,” he pointed out.

A foreign ambassador corroborated Misuari’s claim, saying the ransom was raised by Chinese-Malaysians.

The Asian diplomat, who requested anonymity, said the Malaysian government was not involved in “the private initiative.”

 “These Chinese-Malaysians really do pay ransom in kidnapping cases. You know Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad has a lot of Chinese supporters,” the foreign ambassador said during a reception at the Singaporean Ambassador’s residence Sunday evening.

KL envoy mum

Malaysian Ambassador Mohammad Arshad bin Manzoor Hussein, however, refused to comment on the issue. He stressed that the government of Malaysia also maintained a no-ransom policy.

Arshad said the release of the three remaining Malaysian hostages seized from Sipadan island last April 23 is imminent.

“They should come out this week, otherwise they’d be the last,” Arshad said without elaborating.

Arshad expressed hope that the Zamboanga tycoon Le Peng Wee’s exit from release talks would not jeopardize the Malaysians’ expected freedom.

He said chief negotiator Secretary Robert Aventajado has assured him of his compatriot’s release.

“There is already an understanding between them (Aventajado and Lee), and we have our full confidence in Aventajado, he is doing a good job,” Arshad said.

He added that the Malaysian government is willing to assist in the orange plantation being demanded by the Abu Sayyaf, as long as it is coursed through and recommended by the Department of Agriculture.

I’d have done better

Misuari said Abu Sayyaf rebels’ confidence soared with the payment of ransom for six Malaysians, ailing German hostage Renate Wallert, and several journalists.

The ARMM governor said the extremist guerrillas have demanded P4 million each for the remaining hostages, particularly the Caucasians.

Misuari claimed the rebels would have released Wallert to him without any ransom.

“That lady was supposed to have been released to us without a single cent but some local government officials manipulated the situation,” Misuari lamented. 

The ARMM official was the former chief negotiator of government but was yanked out allegedly on the demand of the Abu Sayyaf.

Misuari claimed Wallert “was already near the roadside and was ready for pick up” when he was replaced as chief negotiator.

“If I had not been replaced, I could have successfully effected the release, not only of Wallert, but also of two Malaysians, the Lebanese and a French woman for free,” Misuari said.   “Now they have to spend,” he added.

He said the tolerance towards ransom has given rebels plenty of money to buy arms.

“They think nothing of paying double price,” he noted.

“I am even thinking of sending my security arms to them (Abu Sayyaf). Babayaran daw nila (They will reportedly pay), double the price.  I will just stay home para (so) there is no need for me to be carrying arms,” Misuari added in jest.

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