MANILA, July 15, 2009-A Mindanao-based prelate said the government should not just rush amnesty in favor of the Abu Sayyaf members responsible for the kidnapping and release of ICRC volunteers "because of the track record of kidnapping" over the past few years.
In a radio interview, Prelature of Marawi Bishop Edwin Angot Dela Pena, MSP, said previous Abu Sayyaf victims are asking for justice.
"I think we have to satisfy the demands of justice as there are minimum requirements of love and justice although we can talk about amnesty later," the prelate said.
He added the Abu Sayyaf should be responsible for their crimes as "they should acknowledge their faults and give justice to the victims, including the families of Claretian missionary Fr. Rhoel Gallardo and Californian Guillermo Sobero and Kansan Missionary Martin Burnham over the past few years."
Asked if he agrees to an all-out war against the Abuy Sayyaf, the 55-year old prelate said "it is the government's call and all I am saying is the government should go after the armed group."
Though he hopes peace will reign in Mindanao, the prelate said most Mindanaoans are sincere in their efforts to attain lasting peace.
"We in Mindanao, Christians, Moslems and Lumads have pro-peace programs," he added.
He also downplayed speculations about the recent bombings in Cotabato, Jolo and Iligan cities.
"The truth will come out after a thorough investigation and without it, we cannot speculate and we are left with no other alternative but wait," he concluded. (Melo M. Acuna)