NEWSFLASH 

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ROBIN’S BIGGEST ROLE AWAITS IN MINDANAO

Manila, March 29, 2000 - Robin Padilla, the original Bad Boy of Philippine movies, is very much in demand these days, and not just for movie roles. The extremist Muslim rebel group Abu Sayyaf wants the actor as their chief negotiator in the peace talks with the government.

According to THE MANILA TIMES, Sayyaf spokesman, Abu Ahmad, called a senator and laid down conditions for their consent to negotiate with the government.

The Sayyaf spokesman said their choice of Padilla as their chief representative in the talks was premised on the fact that the Muslims found the actor the most credible and respected spokesman for their cause.

But Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado has reservations on tapping movie idols Fernando Poe Jr. and Robin Padilla to act as negotiators with both the Abu Sayyaf and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Neither group is in any position to make demands on whom to talk to, Mercado said, adding that the demand of the rebels to negotiate with either film stars is a just a diversionary tactic.

Mercado said the Abu Sayyaf was muddling the issue in putting up the name of Padilla.

What is clear in this case is that the rebels are using innocent civilians as shields from pursuing soldiers, the Defense official said.

Muslim guerrillas belonging to the Abu Sayyaf faction holding 33 hostages in Basilan had threatened anew to execute a Catholic priest and other male captives after Army soldiers clashed with the rebels near their stronghold Monday morning.

Ahmad told radio station dxRZ the rebels would behead the Rev. Roel Gallardo and other male hostages if a military offensive resumes. He said they would train the child captives to become guerrillas and use the female teachers as camp slaves.

Military officials denied they had resumed rescue operations, which were put on hold to allow negotiations for the hostages’ release. The clash near the towns of Sumisip and Tuburan took place after an army patrol encountered a roaming band of guerrillas, they said.

Ahmad said the rebels want popular movie actor Robin Padilla, a Muslim convert who has offered to help negotiate the hostages release, to replace Basilan Rep. Jerry Salapuddin and will cut the negotiations if he cannot take part.

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