China has reason
to be provoked
Certainly the People’s Republic of China has reason to have been provoked by President Noynoy Aquino’s asking the United States to police the disputed waters of Scarborough Shoal.
Actually, that was a very unnecessary gesture. The purpose, he said, was to monitor the water the Philippine territory. And…?
If the spy planes observe violations of the Scarborough Shoals, what then? There’s nothing we can do about it, except fold our arms and submit a diplomatic protest to China.
So, one can immediately understand that Beijing considers the statement by Aquino as intended to drag the US into dispute between the Philippines and China over the disputed territory.
Unfortunately, the US had earlier thumbed down getting dragged into the controversy between two countries.
So, what exactly it is that President Aquino wants?
***
Another embarrassment for the Philippines. The latest admission by DILG Secretary Jessie Robredo that Jordanian TV journalist Baker Atyani and his two Filipino companions are being held captive by the Abu-Sayyaf.
This after the Jordanian government’s official report that Atyani and his two companions had been kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf.
Atyani is the Al Arabiya network Asian Bureau Chief.
Of course, initially the government disclaimed the kidnapping story, insisting that Atyani and his companions had voluntarily gone with their messengers to the Abu Sasyyaf lair.
Robredo yesterday admitted that negotiations are now ongoing to free the Al Arabiya Asian Bureau chief and his two Filipino assistants from their captors.
Robredo, however, refused to give additional details about the negotiations or how much is being asked for Atyani, and his two Pinoy companions release.
Actually, the Jordanian foreign office had earlier asked the local Jordanian consulate to undertake such move to free Atyani.
A Filipino cameraman with Atyani had earlier texted his wife that they were being held captive by the Islamic group.
Is the government moving to free the trio from their captors?
Military and police authorities in Sulu have remained tightlipped about such moves.
But until recently, they took up the claim by Sulu Governor Sakur Tan that Atyani was not kidnapped.
The three were picked up last June 12 at the Sulu State College hostel. Atyani’s companions were Ronaldo Leterro and Refamio Vela.
They were reportedly fetched by a multicab. But they have not returned since then nor have they informed the authorities about their whereabouts and what happened to them.
Instead, the government threatened to have Atyani charged, jailed and deported, alleging that he served as a conduit for the ASG and an Al Qaeda agents.
So what happens now? Our faces must be really red. Imagine negotiating for the release of non-kidnapped victims.
***
The United Negros Alliance will hold its top level meeting in August. It will be presided by former Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco, the acknowledged UNA leader of the province.
Rumors continue to mount that Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez or Kabankalan Mayor Isidro Zayco may be chosen to run for the governorship.
Alvarez, however, had denied the reported rift between him and Marañon. So also between the governor and several Negros mayors.
Marañon, however, maintained his silence regarding his own plans. Will he run again for the post? If not, who will be chosen by UNA?
All, however, remain in the realm of speculations. Since Rep. Alfredo Marañon III is on his third term, will Freddie run for congressman in the second district? He had already named Sagay City Mayor Rafael Cuevas as the second district bet. So, what’s the prospect?
For the moment, though, it seems that the UNA remains united behind Marañon and Alvarez; the latter himself, recently released the statement that he is not running against Marañon.
Still, despite that, rumors abound. So, what gives? I guess all we have to do is just to wait for the August top level meet.*
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