ABS-CBN News Online Beta

Razon: Amnesty for Abus contrary to gov't policy

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 07/15/2009 1:24 PM

Printer-friendly version | Send to friend | Share your views

MANILA - Presidential peace adviser Avelino Razon Jr. said Wednesday the government's policy not to negotiate with terrorists stands in the way of proposals to offer amnesty to members of the Abu Sayyaf terror group.

In an interview on ANC's Dateline Philippines, Razon said the main consideration before the government approves Sen. Richard Gordon's amnesty proposal is its "no negotiation" policy with terrorists.

"We have a policy in government that we are not supposed to negotiate with any terrorist group. The Abu Sayyaf group, notorious for its kidnappings, killings, beheadings and even arson, is not fighting for any ideology. This is a factor we have to consider," he said.

If the government offers amnesty to the Abu Sayyaf, Razon said other "notorious" kidnapping groups, particularly those based in Mindanao, "might also decide to avail of amnesty."

However, Razon did not rule out an amnesty offer saying he has started consultations with government security officials on the proposal.

"We are already making calls. We are already checking with other agencies," Razon said.

Following his calls to security officials, they will officially discuss the proposal in a meeting with members of the Cabinet security cluster, which includes the national security adviser and police and military chiefs.

After consultations with the security cluster, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) will also consult with communities in Mindanao, particularly Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.

Gordon made the proposal during a meeting with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and other officials in Malacañang. Vagni, who went to see President Arroyo on Tuesday, said he supports the proposal despite his nearly six-month ordeal in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf.

Ermita said the government would consider Gordon's proposal.

Not qualified for amnesty

Former National Security Adviser and Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez earlier said the Abu Sayyaf bandit group is not qualified for amnesty.

"Ang Abu Sayyaf is not a political group. Ang kanilang ginagawa ay kidnapping, pagsusunog, pagpatay at pagpugot ng ulo (Abu Sayyaf is not a political group. They kidnap, burn, kill and behead)," Golez said in an interview on ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda (UKG).

Golez said granting amnesty to members of the Abu Sayyaf, which is considered a terrorist group locally and internationally, may be unconstitutional. He added that historically, no president has ever issued amnesty proclamations for terrorists.

Instead of granting amnesty and starting peace talks with the terror group, which has beheaded some of its Filipino and foreign kidnap victims, Golez said Malacañang should start pouring development projects into poor communities, particularly in Sulu and Basilan, which is "a breeding ground for terrorism."

"Malaking tulong iyan para maibaba ang level ng terrorism sa lugar na iyan. Palagay ko, iyan ang dapat isulong ng gobyerno, hindi po peace talks," the congressman said.

Golez, however, said that if the government is seriously thinking of forgiving the local terrorists, it should at least tell the bandits to go through due process, haul them to court and wait for their convictions.

"Kapag sila ay may conviction na, puwede na silang mag-apply for commutation sa gobyerno," he said.