DND chief: Abu Sayyaf accountable for their crimes

MALACAÑANG, (ABS-CBN) - The Abu Sayyaf terrorists will be held liable not only for their kidnap-for-ransom activities but also for the damage they have done to the country's reputation.

Secretary Orlando Mercado of the Department of National Defense (DND) made this clear as he said the government has entered the second phase of military operations against the bandits that have been on the run in the jungles of Jolo, Sulu, and the nearby islands.

"(The) second mission for us is to really neutralize, capture or finally make these people incapable of kidnap-for-ransom activities. That is a mission that is still being pursued. And upon instructions of President Estrada, it will be pursued until all the Abu Sayyaf are properly held accountable for their crimes," Mercado said.

He said the Abu Sayyaf, by engaging in kidnapping activities, have done great damage to the Philippines' reputation and dignity.

According to DND chief, the government bent backwards to accommodate the requests of other nations when the Western and Filipino hostages abducted last April from the resort island of Sipadan, Sabah, Malaysia were still being held by the bandits.

Mr. Estrada heeded the requests only to ensure the safety of the lives of the hostages, he said.

But this time, Mercado said, the government would go all-out against the Abu Sayyaf while working for the safe release of the remaining hostages.

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