No need for US troops in rescue of ICRC hostages - Yano

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces chief Gen. Alexander Yano sees no need for US combat troops to take part in any operation to free the two Red Cross workers remaining in Abu Sayyaf hands in Sulu.

In an interview, Yano said Filipino troops are capable of ensuring the safe recovery of Italian Eugenio Vagni and Swiss Andreas Notter.

“We are not supposed to go out of bounds of what is provided for by law, that is why in our own security engagement now with the JSOTF or the Joint Special Operations Task Force, it is very clear that we have not involved and we will not involve them in direct combat actions. They can provide other assistance but not in direct combat actions,” he said.

However, Yano said the military could seek US help in technical intelligence, medical air evacuation and transport of equipment.

The government asked the US for helicopters in the search and rescue operations to locate the wreckage of the ill-fated presidential Bell 412 helicopter, he added.

At Malacañang, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde expressed optimism that Vagni and Notter would be released soon after the Muslim ulamas agreed to negotiate with the kidnappers on behalf of the government.

“The entry of no less than Muslim religious leaders in these talks is definitely welcome,” he said. “We are optimistic that they (Muslim spiritual leaders) will be a big help. And so we hope that they will be very successful.”

Remonde said Sulu Vice Gov. Lady Ann Sahidullah would still have a role in the negotiations.

As emissary, Sahidullah was able to secure the freedom of Red Cross worker Mary Jean Lacaba several weeks ago, he added.

Remonde said all actions for the release of hostages in Sulu and Basilan would have to go through the local crisis management committees (LCMC) of the two provinces.

The LCMCs have the authority to make decisions on what action to take against the kidnappers, he added.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. justified yesterday the use of military force to rescue the six teachers being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan.       – With Marvin Sy