EDITORIAL - Where are the Abu Sayyaf terrorists?

This is one story that refuses to go away. Before Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Singson plunged the administration into its worst crisis, the Islamic fundamentalist group Abu Sayyaf hogged the headlines. For many months the nation and the world watched as the Sulu-based faction of the group negotiated for millions of dollars in exchange for its mostly fo-reign hostages. Even as the group released some of its hostages, more were snatched for replenishment, triggering a fresh round of negotiations.

Reports said Sulu was awash with greenbacks, with the dollar trading much lower in the island’s black market. The Abu Sayyaf’s high-profile leader, Ghalib "Commander Robot" Andang, revealed plans to buy an orchard or start a livelihood project in his retirement. In the meantime, the rebels bought up all the weapons they could lay their hands on, as well as motorcycles and supplies. The French, Germans, Libyans and Malaysians coughed up ransom money of up to $20 million – about $1 million per hostage.

Even back then there was persistent talk of government negotiators getting a cut from the ransom money. The rumors naturally were denied. Now the rumors have been revived by a report yesterday in the respected German magazine Der Spiegel, alleging that not only chief government negotiator Ro-bert Aventajado but President Estrada himself got a hefty share from the ransom money. As expected, the story has been denied by Aventajado, as vehemently as he used to deny that ransom was paid for any of the hostages. Will this matter ever be cleared up? Not during the impeachment trial.

But even with the trial going on, the government can continue its manhunt for the Abu Sayyaf. Where are Andang, Mujib Susukan, Abu Sabaya and the leader of the original terrorist group, Khadafi Janjalani? Are they enjoying the spoils of their caper? The terrorists still have two hostages – a Filipino and an American. What has happened to these captives? Catching Andang will be the best vindication of the government’s protracted assault on Abu Sayyaf lairs. Catching him may also explain what has happened to the multimillion-dollar ransom.