NEWSFLASH 

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BASILAN GOVT APPOINTS ROBIN MEDIATOR W/REBELS

Zamboanga City, April 5, 2000 - The province of Basilan has appointed actor Robin Padilla as chief negotiator for the release of 33 people held hostage by Au Sayyaff Rebels.

Christopher Puno, spokesman of Basilan province’s crisis management committee, said the actor was appointed to negotiate the release of the captives being held by Muslim extremist rebels. Robin’s appointment was demanded repeatedly by the Abu Sayyaf rebels.

A copy of the decision was sent to Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado, who said the government is awaiting recommendations from presidential National Security Adviser Alexander Aguirre on whether to allow Padilla to take part in the negotiations.

Robin Padilla said he is willing to help negotiate the release of the captives but wants “full authority” from the government, as he did not want to be there “just for display.”

Padilla had converted to Islam while serving a time at the Muntinlupa National Penitentiary for illegal possession of firearms.

Critics have denounced the Abu Sayyaf demand to negotiate with Padilla, saying the rebels merely want to get media mileage because of the expected press coverage.

The rebels have threatened to kill their hostages, including a Catholic priest, schoolchildren and teachers. But vigilantes who abducted 11 relatives of Abu Sayyaf leader Khadaffy Janjalani have threatened to kill their own captives if the rebels do not release the hostages by April 15.

Another actor mentioned as possible negotiator is the undisputed king of Philippine movies Fernando Poe Jr., President Estrada’s closest friend and supporter.

Estrada had initially balked at Robin’s involvement in the Mindanao negotiations, saying “the rebels might ask for Dolphy next.”

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