Michelle Malkin » The $6 million cutthroat payoff

The $6 million cutthroat payoff

By Michelle Malkin • July 18, 2004 11:23 PM

Oh, God. This just in from the Philippines Daily Tribune:

A ransom of $6 million was offered and paid out to the Iraqi rebels holding Filipino truck driver Angelo de la Cruz hostage, to ensure his release before President Arroyo’s scheduled State of the Nation Address on July 26, a high level Philippine intelligence officer told the Tribune yesterday.This offer was alleged to have been approved by the President herself, who then tapped Malaysian emissaries for the job, the intelligence officer, who asked for anonymity, said.

Of the $6-million payoff, $5 million was shouldered by Malaysia and $1 million by the Landbank of the Philippines, the officer added.

An Asian diplomat, also on condition on anonymity, held the view that this was a very “dangerous” move made by the Philippine government since Mrs. Arroyo has, by negotiating with terrorists on a financial recompense level, opened up the possibility of more kidnap groups in Iraq as well as in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East seeing the overseas Filipino worker as “easy prey” for them.

De la Cruz’s whereabouts are unknown, with no words about his condition emanatin from the Arab TV al-Jazeera, although it is believed that he remains under the custody of the Iraqi rebels.

The intelligence officer, however, pointed out that the Filipino captive’s early release is already “a done deal,” with Philippine officials in Iraq reportedly readying themselves for De la Cruz’s “rescue” or “recovery” in time for the Sona.

“They (Iraqis) are waiting for instructions from the Philippine rescue team,” the source said.

It was also pointed out by the intelligence source that the Iraqi kidnappers came up with the condition that, despite the ransom payment, the Philippine government will still have to withdraw its contingent earlier than the deadline given, for the rebels not to be seen internationally as having been “bought off” by Manila.

It was still unclear what the quid pro quo for Malaysia would be, for acting as intermediaries in the hostage crisis, but the same source said it is likely that the Malaysian-Libyan palm oil plantation project would be sped up.

Malaysia has also asked the Philippine government for an increased air flight frequency to Kuala Lumpur.

It was Malaysia that came to Mrs. Arroyo’s defense while international leaders openly criticized her move for a pullout of Filipino troops from Iraq…

Read the rest. Don’t know how reliable the Daily Tribune is, but the ransom rumors have been buzzing for a week.

Meanwhile, the New People’s Army (Filipino commie thug group) is taking its cue from its Islamofascist friends. From the Manila Times today:

Taking advantage of the government’s changed stance against terrorism, the New People’s Army said it would not release the soldiers it captured until the government suspends all military and police operations in the Bicol region.

The NPA had captured 1st Lt. Rolando Fedelino and Private First-Class Ronel Nemeno in February, when the rebels ambushed an Army patrol in Tinambac, Camarines Sur…

I’ll leave the wiser, more sober analysis on all this to Wretchard and Dean, et al. Right now I’m just going to go cry myself to sleep.

Update: Kevin at Wizbang says, “President Arroyo, if the story is true, has just become a major state sponsor of terrorism. From Coalition partner, to Axis of Weasels, and finally to Axis of Evil in less than a month…”

Update II: Arroyo and the Malaysian government have no comment on the ransom payment. Speaks for itself, I think.

Update III: Indispensable and sage, Wretchard at Belmont Club weighs in on the Six Million Dollar Man. So does the Philippine Daily Tribune, with a surprisingly sharp and on-target rebuke of President Arroyo and her simpering media supporters.

Update IV: John Hawkins on Fiesty Filipinos Who Are Frazzled By Frivolous Funster Jay Leno. Say that 10 times.

Posted in: Iraq, Philippines

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#2471

On July 18th, 2004 at 11:32 pm, PDN said:

Misguided Mrs. Arroyo

What has she wrought—she knows not what she has done.

PDN
#2472

On July 18th, 2004 at 11:33 pm, KJC said:

I’m sorry, Michelle. I think we are all saddened to hear this, but this is the homeland of your parents so I understand why this is particularly hard on you.
I was born and raised in Hawaii, so I know many Filipinos. I feel bad for them too tonight.
It’s a bum deal all the way around, and like you, I fear this opens a Pandora’s Box.
I think Arroyo made a terrible mistake that *may* save the life of one, but cost other Filipinos their lives.
#2473

On July 18th, 2004 at 11:37 pm, Blackjack said:

Michelle,

I know how you feel. I feel the knife still in my back. I was so proud when the Philippines joined the coalition of the willing. With this latest story, Arroyo has done more damage to the fight against terrorism than the countries who stayed out altogether. All I can do is appreciate the countries to tough it out. I’d rather focus on the positive.
#2474

On July 18th, 2004 at 11:43 pm, Joel (No Pundit Intended) said:

Oy Vey!
#2475

On July 18th, 2004 at 11:57 pm, KJC said:

I give the Filipino troops who were deployed utter respect and kudos. I give Arroyo partial credit for trying, even though she showed no resolve when the chips came down. I just can’t find it in me to put Filipinos in the same category as France, Germany, and Russia and their unabashed lack of involvement. They didn’t even try or WANT to try. We now know why they had the same intel but weren’t gung-ho. Oil-for-food scandal.
I think Arroyo has done serious damage to the credibility of The Phillippines. I blame this on Arroyo, not the country as whole.
#2476

On July 18th, 2004 at 11:57 pm, David Mc said:

Great, the remaining Filipino workers in Iraq might have been safe with the troops leaving. Now they’re worth 6 million each to every nut with a gun and a video camera.

Let’s hope that this is a rumor.
#2477

On July 18th, 2004 at 11:59 pm, Keith R. Wood said:

The next victim is likely to be a young, innocent and attractive Filipina contract worker from some other Mideast country.

We will be treated to a series of threats as to her treatment prior to her murder.

With the Filipino troops gone, the demand will be for money (12 million) AND the end of operations against Abu Sayyaf Group.

Anyone care to bet . . ?

GMA has placed ALL OCW on the bargaining table.

Contemptible.