Friday, August 31, 2007 Politics behind sarge kidnap By Ben O. Tesiorna
POLITICS played a vital role on the recent atrocity committed by the New People's Army (NPA) in Monkayo, Compostela Valley, Monkayo Mayor Manuel Brillantes Jr. said.
In a report, Brillantes blamed his political foes for the burning of the truck owned by his family corporation, JB Management and Mining Corporation on Monday.
Though not naming names, Brillantes said it is obvious that a politician is behind the latest rebel atrocity. He cited the recent turn over of an abducted soldier by the NPA members to Governor Arturo "Chiongkee" Uy.
Access
Brillantes said this proves that his political rivals have access to the rebels and that his enemies could easily influence the communist group since they have the connections and the money.
The mayor urged the rebel group not to be easily influenced by politicians as he appealed to his enemies to stop their plan to bring him down and his family.
"Dapat maminaw pud sila (NPA) sa side nako, bag-o sila maminaw sa sulsol sa mga pulitiko. Sa akong kalaban sa pulitika -- kung gusto gyud ninyo ug reconciliation, undangi na na ninyo (They should also listen to my side before they will listen to what politicians feed them. To my foes in politics - if you really want reconciliation, give be a break)," Brillantes said.
Paranoia
In his reaction, Uy lambasted Brillantes for his alleged paranoia.
Uy said his role in the safe turnover of Private First Class Marjun Gatela by the rebels last August 14 is part of his job in ensuring that citizens of Compostela Valley are safe and protected.
"It was a call of duty for me to receive Gatela. Ang totoo, nagseselos yang si Brillantes kasi gusto nya sila ang mag-negotiate sa pag-release ni Gatela noon, but hindi pumayag ang NPA na i-release sa kanila yung sundalo," Uy said in a telephone interview Wednesday night.
The rebels torched the 10-wheeler truck owned by the JBMMC when it passed by the rebel checkpoint in Sitio Mabatas, Barangay Upper Ulip last August 27.
Reports reaching Sun.Star Davao showed though that the rebels purposely waited for the truck owned by the family of Monkayo Mayor Manuel Brillantes Jr. and burned it before releasing the more than 300 commuters they held for several hours.
Talks underway
Meanwhile, efforts for the safe release of Army sergeant of the Intelligence Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Isafp) who was abducted by rebels in Monkayo Compostela Valley on August 27 are underway.
Reports reaching Sun.Star Davao showed that officials of Isafp met with Compostela Valley Governor Arturo "Chiongkee" Uy Tuesday to seek his help for the release of Sgt. Toto Gaila from the hands of the New People's Army (NPA).
Though not confirming the meeting with Isafp officials, Uy admitted that they are now working for the release of Gaila. He said he is still establishing contacts with Gaila's captors to appeal to them for the sergeant's safe release.
"We are still making contacts with the other side. I am appealing to them na huwag saktan si Sgt. Gaila," Uy said.
On August 14, Uy was instrumental in the release of Pfc. Marjun Gatela who was also abducted by the NPA rebels after a firefight in Monkayo four days earlier.
Pfc. Gatela was turned over by the Alejandro Lanaja Command to Governor at Sitio Anagazi, Barangay Casoon in Monkayo. Uy said his role in Gatela's release was unexpected as the rebels called him up few hours earlier informing him that they will be turning over Gatela to him.
Uy said he just hopes that his "luck" in Gatela's release will again happen with his effort for the release of Gaila.
Aside from Uy, Monkayo Vice Mayor Avelino Cabag is also negotiating for Gaila"s release. It was learned that Cabag was Gaila's sponsor in his wedding.
Sgt. Gaila was among the three hundreds commuters held for several hours by rebels in Sitio Mabatas, Barangay Upper Ulip last August 27.
Among those held were Gaila, one PO1 Jerson Maniquiz of PNP Mt. Diwata and 5 other armed civilians. PO1 Maniquiz and the other civilians were released that same day, while Gaila is believed to be in the hands of the rebels as of this writing.
