MNLF to help expose Sayyaf protectors

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has offered to help the Duterte administration address the problem with Abu Sayyaf bandits.

MNLF spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla said they are willing to share information on the involvement of some law enforcers and government officials in the illegal activities of Abu Sayyaf bandits.

“Police and military action against Abu Sayyaf bandits will not address kidnapping… unless their protectors are ex- posed,” Fontanilla said.

He said kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf bandits involves government assets who pinpoint target areas and personalities.

“Kidnapping has become a lucrative business because the victims, particularly foreigners, pay ransom for the release of their relatives. The ransom runs to millions of dollars,” Fontanilla said. “Everyone who kidnaps, shelters and negotiates for ransom gets his share.”

He earlier raised the possibility that the attempt of the Abu Sayyaf to kidnap tourists in Bohol could be part of a plot to embarrass President Duterte during the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit.

“The Abu Sayyaf would be hitting two birds with one stone – taking hostages for ransom and at the same time embarrassing President Duterte before the international community,” Fontanilla said.

He said police Superintendent Maria Cristina Nobleza could be the key to identifying government officials with links to the Abu Sayyaf.

Fontanilla said the arrest of Nobleza and her alleged Abu Sayyaf lover Reneer Lou Dongon confirmed rumors in Sulu and Basilan on the alleged collusion of the Abu Sayyaf with some people in government.