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Bounty for terrorists’ capture could cause more trouble - bishop
MANILA, Philippines — Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad warned on Thursday that the reward money being offered for the capture of suspected Abu Sayyaf leaders could backfire on the community. In an interview with Radyo Veritas, the prelate said the reward system has its own good points as it could lead to the capture of the suspects. “A person by nature really wants to be rewarded. We want peace. We want development. We want progress. But it’s the nature of man that once there are prices then the more you work hard. So, it is one way to really invite more people to really cooperate," he said. On the other hand, he said, “it will create more trouble because it might lead to a mistaken identity and others might suffer more." Jumoad was reacting to the US$2.5-million bounty offered by the United States government for anyone who could provide information leading to the capture of Radullan Sahiron, Abdul Basit Usman, and Kahir Mundos. A reward of $1 million each was placed on the heads of Sahiron and Basit while the remaining $500,000 is for Mundos’ head. Sahiron and Mundos are believed to be in hiding in southern Mindanao and Basit in central Mindanao. Jumoad suggested that the reward money be given to nongovernmental organizations for programs or projects that would redound to the interest of poor communities. In closing, the bishop appealed for peace in Basilan and in the Philippines as a whole. “We hope that we really be united and be one to really attain peace here in our country particularly in Basilan. As long as there are selfish people then we will never attain or achieve our goal to a peace, harmony, unity in our place," he said. - Jodee Agoncillo, GMANews.TV
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