14 June 2000 - The Manila Times

By Mirasol Ng-Gadil,Joel R. San Juan  and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENTIAL Flagship Adviser Robert Aventajado may no longer lead negotiations for the release of Abu Sayyaf’s 21 mostly foreign hostages in Sulu due to assassination threats, Malacañang said yesterday.

Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora said Aventajado himself confirmed reports of the assassination plot.

The Abu Sayyaf terrorists have demanded the replacement of Aventajado for alleged “irresponsible” statements on the possibility of a military rescue.

But Aventajado, in a press statement, clarified that he was not advocating a military option to end the Sulu hostage crisis.

“It is unfortunate that my statement has been taken out of context and led to speculations that a rescue operation was in the works and that I was advocating such an option. Nothing is farther from the truth,” he said.

He added that a military rescue was one of the many options “any self-respecting government” would consider, given the facts of the hostage crisis.

But Aventajado stressed that as chief government negotiator, he would be the last to contemplate a military solution because his mandate “is to hold a dialogue with the hostage-takers so that not a single life is unnecessarily put on the line.”

Guerrillas now want Zamora to head the government negotiating team. The Executive Secretary, said only President Estrada can give that assignment. He also said “it is not necessary right now” to assume Aventajado’s role.

Zamora said it was not yet clear which Abu Sayyaf faction wants Aventajado dead.

He quoted some reports pointing to the Basilan group still holding eight captives seized from a Catholic school on March 29.

Leaders of that band emerged in Talipao, Sulu last week after escaping a military dragnet in their home base. Intelligence reports said they brought some of the hostages, who fall under a separate release effort headed by National Security Adviser Alexander Aguirre.

Another ranking Palace source said the reported assassination plot against the chief negotiator was also a reason for “suspended” negotiations.

Zamora, however, said the three to four days “recess” in the talks must not be considered as suspension.

Members of Cabinet Cluster E, or national security cluster, are merely reviewing necessary steps to deal with the altering demands of the Abu Sayyaf, he clarified.

“The Abu Sayyaf has been changing its demands.  Now, they not only make for political demands but non-political demands as well,” Zamora pointed out.

He said the Muslim extremists have also asked for the return of Sabah to the Sultanate of Sulu. 

A senator, meanwhile, lashed at PNP Director Panfilo Lacson for his criticism of the military’s handling of hostage crisis in Basilan.

“Lacson should remember that he is the chief of police and not the chief of staff,” said Biazon, reacting to the police officer’s claim that commando operations by elite cops would have been the appropriate rescue strategy.

Instead of dictating military in Mindanao, Lacson should confine himself to improve the performance of the police organization, the chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security added.

“He should concentrate on police functions other than trying to interfere in military operations,” Biazon stressed.

While not disputing that Lacson and his cops may have undergone training on hostage situations, the former Armed Forces chief of staff said their skills may be good for small groups holed up in contained areas.