Gov't urged: Protect teachers, disarm kidnap groups
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 04/04/2011 10:52 AM | Updated as of 04/04/2011 11:03 AM
MANILA, Philippines - A party-list lawmaker on Monday blamed the Philippine government for failing to go after the followers of kidnap leader Ondo Perez, who are holding at least 12 hostages in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said his group was shocked to hear about the hostage situation, which is almost a repeat of the 2009 hostage situation that saw Perez take hostage more than 40 villagers.
"Why did the government allow this to happen again? First of all, the armed group is already known to them, that they are capable of doing this but this was allowed to happen again. We want better security for teachers and schools in general especially in remote areas where there is limited if any police presence," he told ABS-CBN News Channel.
Tinio said the government should disband armed groups who contribute greatly to criminality and lack of security in remote areas of the country. He added that there must be no impunity for kidnappers who victimize teachers.
"The teachers are on the frontlines. They are serving in marginalized and remote areas and they are extremely vulnerable to these types of activities," he said.
A group of tribal gunmen seized 12 teachers and two elementary students after a graduation ceremony in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Friday afternoon. Senior Superintendent Nestor Fajura, crisis management committee spokesman, has clarified there were only 14 hostages and not 16 as earlier reported.
The group is demanding the release of Ondo Perez and 3 other tribesmen, who are being held at the Agusan del Sur provincial jail on charges of kidnapping and illegal possession of firearms in connection with the December 2009 hostage-taking of 47 villagers.
Prosperidad Mayor Alvin MagdamIt said he will ask a local court to review Perez's case.
Perez has been temporarily released to help in the release of the hostages.
