Editorial from the MILF Website (Jul 1): The Growing Menace
There is little doubt the original Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) or Harakat Al-Islami founded by Ustadz Abdulrazak Janjalani had clear ideological lines that guided them during their early stage.
There is little doubt the original Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) or Harakat Al-Islami founded by Ustadz Abdulrazak Janjalani had clear ideological lines that guided them during their early stage.
But today, after his demise, there is little way to doubt that the group had strayed off course beyond all bounds. We do not know whether there are still personalities within the ASG or its various factions who cling or pursue the original line of the founder. If there are, either they are too weak to assert their leadership or have already adopted the current ASG’s line which makes kidnapping as morally right and the main (or only) source of money.
Kidnapping is bad whoever the target is. Under no circumstances it can be justified. The MILF did not only abhor this, as a matter of principle and policy, but we also actively find ways to secure the release of the victims irrespective of beliefs and nationalities. More importantly, we also work hard to stop or at least neutralize this immoral activity.
A beast is always a beast but if it devours its own kind, then it becomes worse than a beast. It is a monster. Today, the ASGs are not only abducting foreigners but everybody who has money or anyone perceived to have the ability to pay ransom. The kidnapping of Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani, a devout Muslim, of Al-Arabiya TV in June 2012 and recently of Nadjoua and Linda Bansil, daughters of the late Sheikh Abdulbasset Bansil of Maguindanao by an Algerian mother proved this point. The group merely uses Islam to advance their false cause.
The growing menace must stop now. It destroys the very core of human dignity and puts to shame everyone who still has that sense of self-respect. Moreover, it is humiliating to every Moro leader and is a slap to those leaders in Manila that a small band of people pursues their evil trade at will and earn millions of dollars on the process.
In Central Mindanao, kidnapping is neutralized to a larger extent. The kidnappers cannot do their trade without thinking it several times. Through the mechanism of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), the MILF and the government have cooperated to address the menace of kidnapping. We salute the two AHJAGs for their jobs well done!
But in Sulu, we do not understand why this group is not neutralized. The ASG’s lair is mainly in Patikul town, which is adjacent to the capital town of Jolo. Here, the strength of the military, both naval and infantry is huge. In addition, the MNLF claims this island province as their bastion. There are also many powerful politicians who are armed to the teeth especially the group of Governor Sakur Tan.Add these to the so-called Royal Army of the Sulu Sultanate, and the result would be a Goliath and David situation. But the ASG cannot be David, because David was not only an upright man but he was a prophet. Unless the ASG make amends, they are far from the blessings of Allah.
http://www.luwaran.com/Kidnapping is bad whoever the target is. Under no circumstances it can be justified. The MILF did not only abhor this, as a matter of principle and policy, but we also actively find ways to secure the release of the victims irrespective of beliefs and nationalities. More importantly, we also work hard to stop or at least neutralize this immoral activity.
A beast is always a beast but if it devours its own kind, then it becomes worse than a beast. It is a monster. Today, the ASGs are not only abducting foreigners but everybody who has money or anyone perceived to have the ability to pay ransom. The kidnapping of Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani, a devout Muslim, of Al-Arabiya TV in June 2012 and recently of Nadjoua and Linda Bansil, daughters of the late Sheikh Abdulbasset Bansil of Maguindanao by an Algerian mother proved this point. The group merely uses Islam to advance their false cause.
The growing menace must stop now. It destroys the very core of human dignity and puts to shame everyone who still has that sense of self-respect. Moreover, it is humiliating to every Moro leader and is a slap to those leaders in Manila that a small band of people pursues their evil trade at will and earn millions of dollars on the process.
In Central Mindanao, kidnapping is neutralized to a larger extent. The kidnappers cannot do their trade without thinking it several times. Through the mechanism of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), the MILF and the government have cooperated to address the menace of kidnapping. We salute the two AHJAGs for their jobs well done!
But in Sulu, we do not understand why this group is not neutralized. The ASG’s lair is mainly in Patikul town, which is adjacent to the capital town of Jolo. Here, the strength of the military, both naval and infantry is huge. In addition, the MNLF claims this island province as their bastion. There are also many powerful politicians who are armed to the teeth especially the group of Governor Sakur Tan.Add these to the so-called Royal Army of the Sulu Sultanate, and the result would be a Goliath and David situation. But the ASG cannot be David, because David was not only an upright man but he was a prophet. Unless the ASG make amends, they are far from the blessings of Allah.