It is a pleasure to report that the Zamboanga and Basilan leadership met with the Crisis Management Committee (CMCs) of both areas infested by kidnappers for a 3 day intense meeting. Mayor Celso Lobregat (Zambo) and Governor Jum Akbar with Vice-Governor Sakallahul of Basilan, along with Chief Supt. Serapio (DIPO), WestMinCom Military leaders, Basilan Military Officers and Police Leadership from both Basilan and Zamboanga agreed to share sensitive information. They also agreed to urgently request the Philippine Secretaries of the Department of the Interior and the Department of National Defense to provide additional troops in Basilan and Zamboanga for this critical issue.
This CMC resolution authorizes the conduct of Rescue Operations for all kidnapped victims still in captivity. This policy upholds the NO RANSOM policy of the Philippine Government. Peaceful negotiations will continue. With any rescue operation the safety of the victims and of civilians is of the greatest importance. The Police and Military in both areas will attempt rescues while the CMC will negotiate for the multiple release of kidnapped victims held by the Abu Sayyaf or other criminals who kidnap for a fee. No Fee will be paid.
Naval Forces Admiral Alexander Puma assured the focus of the Military will be on the safety of the hostages and non-combattants
This coming together of so many affected parties, agreeing on a strategy and requesting help from the National Government is a major step in the right direction in order to fight Terrorism that is rampant in this area of the Philippines.
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