Indefinitely
June 17th, 2008 at 1:36 am (General, National Politics, Military Affairs)
Ces Drilon’s abductors have demanded that the ransom of 15 million be paid at lunchtime today. Then, they extended the deadline to “indefinitely.”
With the extension is a promise not to harm Drilon and the others kidnapped with her, Jimmy Encarnacion, and Octavio Dinampo.
What does “indefinitely” mean for the abductors? Does it mean they’ll wait until Drilon’s family will pay? Does it mean they will wait until they longer have patience? What then if Drilon’s family refuse to pay the ransom indefinitely?
I think, the extension is good sign that the abductors are not out to harm or kill Drilon and her group. Rather, the abductors need the 15 million ransom money badly. What then? Should the family just pay up and encourage the abductors from doing the same thing?
If I were her relative, I’d definitely encourage paying the ransom. Yes, it will embolden the captors to do the same thing again. But in dire times such as this, I think it’s best to ensure the safety of the kidnap victims.
But this is not to say that the government and the military should stand idly while Drilon’s family raise the money and pay it to the captors. The war in Sulu has been going on for too long. Something should be done. The peace talks should be restored, the real roots of the problem should be examined carefully.
Legitimate advocates and advocacy groups should be heard, terrorists should be brought to justice.
I am hoping for Drilon’s groups’ swift and safe release. And I am hoping that this situation will show the government that their all-out war stance has done nothing to solve the problems in the area.
Else, we will continue to face these kinds of problems… indefinitely.
Related Posts:- No related posts
