MINDANAO, Philippines–The beheading of Canadian hostage Robert Hall by
Abu Sayyaf militants on Monday has dealt another severe blow to the $93 million
US military campaign to help the Philippines end acts of terror by the
al-Qaeda- and Islamic State-affiliated group in this restive region.The
campaign Enduring Freedom, a global war launched against terrorism after the
September 11 twin tower attack in New York, saw the arrival of some 1,300 US
military troops in Philippines to a warm welcome.
One of the main aspects of the campaign was the annual military joint
exercise ‘Balikatan’ (Tagalog word meaning ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’) providing
equipment and exchange of information and expertise to end terrorism in
Southern Philippines.
But 14 years later, the 400-strong Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has become
more aggressive and violent in kidnapping and killing their victims, mostly
foreign tourists.
In the latest incident, ASG was demanding a ransom of $6.5 million for
the release of Hall. But Hall’s relatives stood by the Canadian government’s no
ransom policy. That cost the life of the Canadian mining executive.
While condemning the act and promising to bring the killers to justice,
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended his government’s no-ransom
policy saying giving ransom will only encourage more kidnappings by the ASG.
On April 25, ASG had beheaded another Canadian captive John Ridsdel
after his relatives failed to deliver the $6.5 million ransom before the
deadline set by the group. The ASG is still holding two more captives –
Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipina Maritess Flor, Hall’s
partner.
The ASG dared to mock the incoming Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
in a statement made after Hall’s execution.
Its leader Abu Raami was quoted saying in a national broadsheet: “You
promised Trudeau you will get them (hostages) alive and what happened to
Ridsdel will not be repeated. So let’s see if you will not be embarrassed.”
“This is for (you) Duterte. This is for you to know what we will do to
the Canadian,” Raami added.
On Wednesday, Philippine President Benigno Aquino flew to Jolo, Sulu, to
get first-hand information on the kidnapping situation. He is considering the
imposition of martial law in Sulu.
There is no guarantee there will be positive results. There might even
be negative results. The enemies might gain more sympathy, he said
to media.
He announced that Norway and Canada have offered assistance to stop
terrorism in south.
Aquino will step down as President on June 30.
Enhanced
Defense Cooperation
After failures to curb terror in southern Philippines, the U.S. is
considering the institutionalization of Enhanced Defense Cooperation.
On April 28, 2014, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled the legality of
the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a collaborative deal to
pre-position defense capabilities especially in the promotion of maritime
security and maritime domain awareness in the Philippines.
Lobby groups believe EDCA can address terror and insurgency problems
down south
Analyst Briccio Cesar Domondon wrote in a national broadsheet that EDCA
is the right tool in going after ASG as the group has now allied itself with
the Islamic State.
The Philippine government has identified five sites for the US military
installations — Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Palawan, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. But
around 2,500 civil society protesters held a rally in Cagayan de Oro
dramatizing their sentiments against putting up a U.S. military facility in
their vicinity.
Protesters see the putting up of U.S. military facilities in Philippine
areas as illegal and as a threat to security of civilians. Philippine laws
prohibit the establishment of foreign military bases in the country.
The U.S. and Philippine governments say the proposed EDCA military
detachments are mere facilities, not bases.
“EDCA would not pave way to the return of U.S. bases in the country,”
Philippine defense officials said.
However, many people wonder if the EDCA can address terrorism in
Southern Philippines since, according to them, the U.S. is more concerned about
China’s growing aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
Lawmaker Rodolfo Biazon, a retired military general, was quoted in a
national broadsheet saying that EDCA will address global terrorism as well as
China’s growing aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
What can
Duterte do?
Incoming members of the Duterte team say he is capable of tackling
terrorism menace in the southern region
Dureza, who will become the chief government negotiator, said ASG and
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters will have to face the full force of the law
for their terror and criminal acts.
Hermogenes Esperon, who will be the national security advisor, told
Reuters that Duterte would take strategic action against lawlessness in south
as “we cannot allow this situation to continue … this should end once and for
all.”
Incoming National Police Chief Robert Dela Rosa hinted at imposition of
martial law if that can end terrorism in south.
Ernie Abella, who will be the presidential spokesperson, said Duterte as
a “strategic thinker” will be able to stop kidnappings and murders by ASG. He
recalled how, as Davao City mayor, Duterte foiled several kidnappings.
Duterte’s lawyer Salvador Panelo said: “He has solved other problems of
equal magnitude. I don’t see any problem for him in doing that.”
Noel Tarrazona is a former freelance Vancouver-based International
journalist and a senior analyst of Wikistrat.
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