Stormy In Manila, Rumbling In Muslim Mindanao

Written on Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 at 10:45 am | by Ding G. Gagelonia

Severe storm warnings are up over metropolitan Manila as I write this, with the first of this year’s big typhoons dumping rains, triggering power outages and shutting down commuter train services.

These just as President Arroyo is en route to the United States to meet America’s outgoing, and presumptive incoming leaders (whoever among them wins)ahead of the November generals elections.

Down south in Mindanao, a different storm front is acting up in the aftermath of the kidnapping of three television journalists and a Muslim peace advocate.

The secessionist Moro National Liberation Front is angry over over how one of own men, now suspended Indanan mayor Alvarez Isnaji, turned overnight from hero to principal suspect in the 10-day Sulu kidnap-for-ransom drama.

Now we are told Isnaji, former lieutenant of Nur Misuari in running the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao in the early 2000’s, actually sits in the MNLF central Committee. The now suspended mayor of Indanan Sulu it turn out is also president of the League of Municipal Mayors of Sulu while still holding the ‘rank’ of lieutenant general in the MNLF

MNLF chairman Muslimin Sema: “The leadership of the central committee of the MNLF is very disappointed with how the CIDG treated Mayor Isnaji. We supported the good standing of Isnaji to intervene for the safe release of the kidnapped victims.”

“The MNLF was expecting words of appreciation for a job well done for Mr. Isnaji for his efforts as emissary coming from the authorities, Malacanang, and other officials of the government. But unfortunately, they (Isnajis) were instead tagged as the kidnappers,” Sema who is also mayor pf Cotabato City (the ARMM capital)m said.

Alongside Sema’s statement, the MNLF secretary-genera, Abdul Sahrin, is reported to have “advised” the CIDG and Philippine National Police to give Mr. Isnaji the proper courtesy due a government official and a member of the highest policy body of the MNLF. He described Mr. Isnaji was instrumental in the negotiation for the “peaceful and early release of the hostages.”

Tomorrow, mayor Isnaji and his son Haider will face the start of the formal police inquiry into the kidnapping case as the father and son remain detained at Camp Crame’s high security custodial where previous detainees have included soldiers accused of rebellion and even a former vice president.

So with the MNLF asserting organizational interest in the fate of mayor Isnaji, his situation and how authorities deal with him clearly has tangential impact on the larger on-off national security situation in Mindanao.

The rumbling could very well presage a political thunderstorm of major proportions.

You can also bet Mrs Arroyo’s hosts in Washington D.C. will want to get a full briefing on the issue, with the not-too friendly but exiting Secretary of State cocking her ears.

We hope this doesn’t spoil the reported plans of certain high officials to watch a boxing match on June 28 as part of birthday celebrations for a big man.

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About The Author: Ding G. Gagelonia is a journalist of some 30 years, having worked in both radio and TV news and public affairs since his teens. Ding Gagelonia now writes independently and does corporate communications consulting. He has two kids, Felice and Luis. His journalist blog is at midfield.wordpress.com

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