PNP readies for contingency plan in Sulu but not launching yet

Miami
June 17, 2008
Story: PNP readies for contingency plan in Sulu but not launching yet

Philippine National Police (PNP) said that they are ready for contingency measures in Sulu for any situation that may arise in relation to the hostage crisis in the said area with Ces Drilon and her crew as the victims.

The PNP also released the cartographic sketch of the two suspects identified by their reliable source as the persons who are within the group of the abductors. The suspects were identified as Sulayman Patta alias Amah Ma’as or Abu Haris and certain Walid alias Tuan Wals both members of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, PNP Spokesman said, Ground troops are in place including air and naval assets. The combined PNP and AFP units tasked to support the efforts of the Provincial Peace and Order Council of Governor Sukar Tan of Sulu and the efforts of Mayor Alvarez Isnaji of Inadan, Sulu are on standby ready for immediate deployment.”

He also added, “The PNP and AFP should also perform their mandated task. We cannot just wait for the negotiation we also have to plan and prepare for the contingency plan.” He said the crisis management committee and the PNP has different mandated task to do.

But he is also quick to say that they are not launching anything.

Bartolome explain, that their option is flexible and they will respond depending on the situation may arises in Sulu.

Bartolome said that the PNP is not taking part on the negotiation being take place saying that the negotiation is the work for the negotiator. They are all hoping that the negotiation will continue and will have pleasant result that will lead to the release of Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion and Professor Octavio Dinampo.