Nograles airs concern over House probe on kidnappings

MANILA, Philippines - Speaker Prospero Nograles on Saturday voiced concern that the impending probe at the House of Representatives on the spate of kidnappings in Mindanao could jeopardize the safety of the hostages. In a statement, the House leader said that inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the kidnappings by Abu Sayyaf militants should be held in abeyance so as not to prejudice efforts to free the hostages. "There is always a possibility that any public inquiry into the problems of kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist elements and other criminal groups could jeopardize the safety of their hostages," Nograles said. A House probe on the series of kidnapping, particularly in the provinces of Basilan and Sulu and in Zamboanga City, was sought by Anak Mindanao party-list Rep. Mujiv Hataman, who earlier said in a privilege speech that many questions needed to be answered in connection with the kidnapping incidents. Nograles said there would be no harm if such planned investigations were to be held at a later date to cover the overall peace and order campaign in Mindanao and other trouble spots in the country, not just the issue of kidnappings. "Timing is very important," he said. "The safety of the hostages is paramount even as we acknowledge that such inquiries could open up unseen opportunities to upgrade our laws and policies to help government solve the various problems facing the country, especially Mindanao." He added that kidnappings were just an offshoot of the complex problems Mindanao had been facing for many decades. He said there was no other alternative for the government but to face these problems squarely and firmly. Nograles also urged the government to make military action the last option to rescue the victims to avoid civilian casualties. "We have to exhaust all peaceful avenues and negotiate for their release. We must learn to listen and keep our patience in this crisis," he said. Among the kidnap victims in Mindanao are three workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross who were snatched in Sulu five weeks ago. - GMANews.TV