| INTRAMURALS IN
SAYYAF IMPERIL HOSTAGES' LIVES By Faber Concepcion
Deepening rifts within the Abu Sayyaf
leadership jeopardize the lives of 21 Asian and western hostages in Talipao, Sulu,
military officials said yesterday as government negotiators expressed concern over
rebels’ decision to split their captives into two groups.
While rebels had pledged to resume
negotiations yesterday, they threw a major wrench into release efforts by demanding the
ouster of government chief negotiator Robert Aventajado. They also asked for the inclusion
of Abu Sayyaf leader Khadaffy Janjalani in the negotiations.
Mujid Susukan, Dr. Abu Jundail and Ghalib
Andang alias Commander Robot said they would not sit down for talks until Executive
Secretary Ronaldo Zamora replaces Aventajado, President Estrada’s flagship adviser.
They scored Aventajado for issuing
“irresponsible statements” about a possible military rescue should rebels prove
intractable in talks.
The Abu Sayyaf also reiterated they are
sticking to their original demand for the establishment of an independent Islamic state.
Military officials confirmed Janjalani
remains strong and alert.
He escaped the military’s dragnet in
Basilan province, bringing six Filipino hostages, they added. There was no reason given
for a missing Basilan hostage. ¨
--with a report from AP
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