RedBlueThoughts

Now it can be told—Bossi was released after negotiators (mostly government) agreed on a prisoner swap. Clearly, the kidnappers whom are ABU SAYYAF negotiated for a prisoner swap. They would swap Bossi with their comrades who were imprisoned in a Basilan jail.

Months ago, I was very certain that it was the ASG who kidnapped Bossi. One, the way he was kidnapped bore the signature of the terrorist group. Two, there were no demands for ransom; meaning the reason for the kidnapping was not monetary but strategic. And three, Bossi was kept in Lanao province and moved around outside Zamboanga peninsula.

Clearly, this state is a very weak one. They capitulated to the demands of these terrorists. This administration needs to be replaced immediately. The Philippines is truly the weakest link in the anti-terror fight in the Asia-Pacific.

Paging the US! Help us replace this administration.

Suspects in Dos Palmas kidnapping escape Basilan jail

Four Abu Sayyaf Group members, two of whom were involved in the kidnapping of foreign tourists in Palawan six years ago, escaped with 12 other inmates from the provincial jail of Basilan island Friday morning.

Authorities identified the four bandits as Itting Askalani, Enteng Anjil, Abug Sampang and Wakil Sampang.

Reports said Abug and Wakil Sampang were arrested last January 5 at the Village Restaurant along Gov. Camins Avenue in Zamboanga City.

The two were arrested for murder and kidnapping charges in connection with the bloody hospital siege in Lamitan, Basilan in June 2001 and the kidnapping of at least 20 foreign tourists from the Dos Palmas Beach Resort in Puerto Princesa, Palawan the same year.

Authorities have yet to determine background information of the other two escaped bandits. The identities of the other prisoners who escaped along with the four bandits have yet to be determined by the police.

Chief Inspector Christopher Panapan said the inmates escaped by sawing through the iron bars on the window of their cell between 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. The inmates then scaled a wall to escape.

Basilan Provincial Director Salik Macapantar confirmed the jailbreak, which occurred hours after suspected Moro rebels freed Italian priest Fr. Giancarlo Bossi in Lanao del Norte late Thursday.

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