Leaders of the Philippines' Roman Catholic church on Thursday criticized the military operation to rescue 17 hostages from Muslim guerrilla kidnappers, saying it was doing more harm than good.
Extensive military use of artillery and air raids, plus blockades which curb the movement of civilians and merchandise has "raised questions on the actual objectives of the military operation," Catholic Bishops Conference president Orlando Quevedo said in a statement.
President Joseph Estrada sent more than 4,000 troops and police into the southern island of Jolo on September 16 to end a five month-old hostage crisis. Troops were ordered to rescue the remaining hostages and to "destroy" the Abu Sayyaf rebels.
Thirteen days later and with just the escape of two French hostages to show for the effort, Quevedo said the conduct of the campaign has given him the impression that the rescue of the hostages appeared to be a mere "secondary objective".
"We appeal to our military forces and to the Abu Sayyaf group to religiously respect the rights, properties, and lives of non-combatants, including the hostages," he added.
Quevedo said the bishops have received disturbing reports that suspects had been extrajudicially killed.
"We condemn the reported (execution) of suspected Abu Sayyaf people," Quevedo said.
"We ask that the naval blockade allow food, medicines, and other basic necessities to be brought into Jolo."
Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado said on Wednesday that allegations of murders of civilians and looting by government forces would be investigated – MANILA (AFP)
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