MANILA — In a full-scale military assault reminiscent of the worst days of martial law under former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, the Philippines government on September 16 launched an attack on the southern islands centred on Jolo, allegedly to crush the Abu Sayyaf organisation, which has kidnapped tourists and others for ransom.
Media reports indicate the involvement of US Green Beret special forces in the operation. US troops have been sighted on the wharf at Sulu, capital city of Jolo. US defence secretary William Cohen visited Manila for discussions with President Joseph Estrada only days before the attack began.
Human rights groups have accused the armed forces (AFP) of imposing a news blackout in order to hide atrocities by government forces.
The government has admitted to only four civilians being killed since the fighting began, but human rights groups in Jolo have said the number of dead is much higher. A doctor has claimed that hundreds of civilians in towns of Patikul and Talipao have been killed in the AFP's ferocious bombing and artillery attacks.
By September 21, the number of evacuees had risen to 15,000, according to Sulu representative Hussin Amin. "The military has yet to lift the transportation blockade going to these areas, thus preventing the Red Cross and other relief and medical workers from entering", Amin said.
Nelsa Amin, a provincial medical officer, pleaded for a halt to the military operation for two days to get help to the wounded. "Hundreds of civilians need medical attention", she said. Estrada has refused to order a cease-fire until the Abu Sayyaf free all the hostages still being held.
The Philippines government is using the Abu Sayyaf crisis to escalate its offensive against the national liberation forces representing the Muslim minority people of Mindanao and the south.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the main liberation movement in the south, has dissociated itself from the Abu Sayyaf group, but has called on the government to end its military operations, which are aimed against the people of the area.
BY JIM McILROY