“I don’t know if Zambo CMC had a hand in release of teachers”

by Nonong Santiago

“I really do not know if the Zamboanga City Crisis Management Committee really had a hand in the release of the three teacher hostages in Basilan Province,”
This was the contention of Councilor Kim Elago during yesterday’s regular session of the City Council expressing his abstention from voting on the resolution presented by Councilor Rudy Lim commending the CMC headed by Mayor Celso Lobregat for the safe release of the three teachers Janette Delos Reyes, Raphael Mayonado and Quizon Freires from the hands of the kidnappers.

Earlier, the august body approved the resolution authored by Councilor Eddie Rodriguez thanking and commending the Basilan CMC, police and military officials for their efforts in the release of the three victims.Elago who voted affirmatively on the Rodriguez resolution abstained on the resolution authored by Lim saying that he is still confused as to who should get the credit.The councilor said â??I read in the newspaper that it was Basilan CMC head Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakkalahul who negotiated for the release of the mentors while in another newspaper it said that Sr. Supt. Manuel Barcena and Malacanang were directly responsible for the freedom of the mentors. I am really confused.â?Councilor Mel Sadain forhis part stressed that it is awkward for the city government to commend itself â??let other LGU commend the CMC, but not us. As the saying goes Huwag natin buhatin ang sarili nating upuan.â?Sadain pointed out that it is the job of city officials particularly the CMC to help look for ways in seeking for the safe release of the victims.Vice Mayor Mannix Dalipe also said that he has been to Basilan for couple of times risking his life to help save the lives of the three mentors however, he does not want the council to commend him for his actions.Elago said â??we thank the Basilan CMC, the police, military and other individuals who gave their best in trying to free the teachers but let other people thank the CMC of Mayor Lobregat.â?Councilors Eddie Rodriguez and Amman Nuño inhibited themselves from voting on the resolution for delikadeza that they are members of the CMC, Councilors Cesar Jimenez, Sadain, and Elago abstained, Councilor Roel Natividad voted against. However Limâ??s resolution was also approved since majority of the aldermen who are members of the LDP supported the resolution. (Nonong Santiago) 

Via Zamboanga Today