Priest expresses gratitude to senate

A parish priest has expressed gratitude to the senate for having accused three top-ranking military men of colluding with the Abu Sayyaf leaders and paving the way for the payment of ransom for the release of hostages in southern Philippines last year.

"Our prayers were finally heard. I did not expect the senate to come up with a decision like that," said Father Cirilo Nacorda.

Nacorda was one of the witnesses who claimed that several military men had colluded with the Abu Sayyaf to receive an estimated P 25 million ($ 500,000) for the release of three hostages.

A draft of the senate report said Maj. Gen. Romeo Dominguez, now head of the 8th infantry division in Samar, central Philippines, Col. Jovenal Narcise, former 103rd army brigade commander; and Maj. Eliseo Campued, executive officer of the 18th infantry battalion, were responsible for the unexplained escape of Abu Sayyaf gunmen from a military cordon of a hospital complex in Lamitan on June 2, 2001.

At that time, the Abu Sayyaf released three of the 20 hostages who were abducted from Dos Palmas Hotel in Palawan, south-western Philippines, on May 27, 2001.

On June 1, the group brought their hostages to Basilan, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, which is 150 kilometres away.

After the release of the three hostages, the group took four more hostages from the hospital, and 15 others from a nearby farm in Lamitan.

At the same time, Nacorda was disappointed that the report did not mention the ransom payment that was allegedly paid by one of the hostages.

"We stand firm that money has changed hands, and it involves around 25-27 million pesos. We have testimonies to prove that," noted Nacorda.

He claimed that witnesses had said that a total of $ 200,000 (P 10 million) went to the military officials, another $ 200,000 (P 10 million) to Abu Sayyaf leaders, Abu Sabaya and Khadaffy Janjalani, and the rest to local government officials.

Nacorda suggested that Basilan Gov. Wahab Akbar should be placed under investigation. Despite his disappointment, Nacorda has sent letters of thanks to the senators who made such a landmark decision.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said: "The testimonies of the witnesses, encouraged by Fr. Cirilo Nacorda, were not in vain."

At the same time, Felisa Garcia, a Lamitan resident who has been following the developments of Nacorda's allegations against the military, noted: "At last, our bravery in exposing the anomalies within the military bore fruit. I hope this good development will continue."

Geronimo Lim, a Lamitan businessman, viewed the draft report as a cause for celebration. "It calls for thanksgiving. We will give all our support to those who stood behind Nacorda in his quest for truth and justice."

Amira Lidasan of the Moro Human Rights Alliance said the charge-sheet should include retired Gen. Diomedio Villanueva, former armed forces chief of staff, and Arroyo "because of command responsibility".

But Fernando Hicap, national chairperson of the fisherfolk group, Pamalakaya, proposed that the military men should be tried by an independent body, and not by a military court to prevent any whitewash.

Maj. Gen. Dominguez, the accused, said: "The priest's soul is now burning in hell."

But he also welcomed the recommendation of the senate committees: "Court martial is a very good venue for me because I can defend myself.

"In the senate committee hearing, my lawyers could not cross-examine my accusers. I have nothing to hide. My conscience is clear and I have never betrayed my oath as an officer."

Armed forces of Philippines chief of staff, Gen. Roy Cimatu, gave the assurance that the military will respect the senate report.

"Our judicial processes are fair. All members of our judicial system are honourable men. The judicial process will be even-handed. It will render sound judgment."

Judge Advocate General, Col. Manuel Ibanez, noted: "Trials by court martial are open to the public."

The case will undergo pre-charge investigation and pre-trial investigation before going to the military court.

The presidential palace will not stand in the way of the senate recommendation, said Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, but added that President Gloria Arroyo would not comment as yet on the senate recommendation.

The procedure will take effect when Senators Ramon Magsaysay Jr., Aquilino Pimentel Jr., and Sergio Osmeña sign the report.