Reimbursement for Sayyaf?

Office of Muslim Affairs Executive Director Habib Mujahib Hassin favors the "reimbursement of expenses" to the Abu Sayyaf in exchange for the freedom of American missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham and Filipino nurse Deborah Yap.

"Payment of reimbursement may not be legally right but for the sake of the hostages, the government may consider such move," he said.

Hassin said reimbursement may be "a minimal amount of money," which the kidnappers might have shouldered in taking care of the three hostages.

"It’s just the payment of board and lodging," he said.

However, Hassin rejected the payment of ransom, which could run to millions of pesos, for the release of the Burnhams and Yap because it is against government policy.

Besides, the payment of ransom would encourage the Abu Sayyaf to continue their kidnapping activities, he added.

Quoting reports, Hassin has confirmed negotiations for the release of the Burnhams and Yap.

Recent developments in Basilan indicate that the hostage crisis is almost over, he added.

But Hassin warned the government against attacking the Abu Sayyaf as any military action might jeopardize the safety of the kidnap victims.

"The bandits are determined to harm their hostages so the best option is to continue the negotiations for the safe release of the hostages," he said. –Perseus Echeminada